by all accounts: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘by all accounts’ mean?
The idiom "by all accounts" means that according to everyone's opinions or reports about a particular person or situation, something is true or accurate.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "one and all" means every single person or thing, without exception.
The idiom "in every sense of the word" means that something is true or accurate in every possible way or aspect. It emphasizes the completeness or thoroughness of a particular statement or description.
The idiom "everyone and his mother" is used to emphasize the widespread or excessive presence of people. It implies that a large number of individuals, including those who may not be directly involved or relevant to a situation, are present or involved.
"Every last" is an idiom used to emphasize that every single person or thing in a group is included or accounted for. It highlights the completeness or thoroughness of an action or process.
The idiom "everybody who is anybody" means that only the most important or influential people are included or recognized in a particular group or situation.
The idiom "everybody and his mother" means that a lot of people, and perhaps even more than necessary, are involved in a certain situation or event.
The idiom "every bit" means completely or entirely. It is often used to emphasize that something is true or accurate in all aspects. For example, "He is every bit as talented as his sister" means he is just as talented as his sister.
When used figuratively, the idiom "by the eye" means making a judgement or decision based solely on appearance or outward impression, without any concrete evidence or deep analysis.
The idiom "by-the-book" means to adhere strictly to rules or guidelines without deviating or improvising.
The idiom "by the book" means to strictly follow the rules or regulations, without any deviation or improvisation. It implies sticking to established procedures or guidelines, often in a formal or legal context.
Decoding Interpretations
The idiom "by all accounts" has its origins in the English language. It is commonly used in spoken and written English in various contexts. The phrase emphasizes that something is true or accurate according to multiple widely accepted sources or opinions. The word "by" indicates that the following information is supported by these accounts, sources, or opinions. The word "all" emphasizes the inclusivity of the accounts being referred to.
Accounts in this context can refer to reports, descriptions, narratives, or testimonies given by individuals or sources. These accounts can include personal anecdotes, documented evidence, eyewitness testimonies, or general consensus among a group of people.
The idiom "by and large" is related to "by all accounts". Both phrases are used to indicate that something is generally or mostly true according to a wide range of sources or opinions. "By and large" emphasizes the overall truth or accuracy of a statement, while "by all accounts" highlights the existence of multiple supporting sources.
The idiom "in every sense of the word" is another related phrase. It is used to emphasize that something is true or accurate in every possible way or aspect. When using "by all accounts" in conjunction with "in every sense of the word", it suggests that multiple sources or opinions agree that something is true in every aspect or definition.
Another related idiom is "all told". This phrase is used to indicate that the total or complete number of something is being considered. When used in conjunction with "by all accounts", it implies that multiple sources or opinions have been taken into account to determine the total or complete truth or accuracy of something.
The idiom "one and all" is also related to "by all accounts". It is used to emphasize the inclusion of every single person or thing in a particular group or category. When used alongside "by all accounts", it suggests that every source or opinion within a specific group agrees on the truth or accuracy of something.
Lastly, the idiom "across the board" is related to "by all accounts". It is used to indicate that something applies universally or without exception. When combined with "by all accounts", it emphasizes that multiple sources or opinions universally agree on the truth or accuracy of something.
Overall, the idiom "by all accounts" is a powerful tool in highlighting the reliability or truthfulness of a statement. It acknowledges the existence of multiple sources or opinions that support a claim or idea. This idiom, along with its related idioms, adds credibility and trustworthiness to the information being presented, whether in conversations, news articles, books, or other forms of communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom by all accounts can be used in a sentence:
- By all accounts, he is a talented musician.
- By all accounts, the team played exceptionally well in the finals.
- By all accounts, she is a dedicated and hardworking employee.
More "Expressions" idioms
