everybody and their brother: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Everybody and their cousin is another idiom that is similar in meaning to everybody and their brother. Just like everybody and their brother, everybody and their cousin is used to emphasize the large number of people who are involved in or have knowledge of a particular activity or situation.

However, while everybody and their brother suggests a wide participation or knowledge, everybody and their cousin adds an additional layer of inclusivity by including extended family members. This variation of the idiom highlights the idea that not only immediate family members are involved, but even more distant relatives.

For example, one might say, "Everybody and their cousin is going to the party tonight," or "Everybody and their cousin knows about the latest gossip."

Similarly, everybody and their mother is another related idiom with a similar meaning to everybody and their brother. This variation of the idiom further emphasizes the widespread knowledge or participation by including a maternal figure.

By including the term "mother," this version of the idiom conveys a sense of universality, as mothers are often associated with wisdom, nurturing, and being in-the-know.

For example, one might say, "Everybody and their mother is talking about the new movie," or "Everybody and their mother is trying to get tickets to the concert."

Lastly, everybody and their dog is another variation of the idiom everybody and their brother that is also used to emphasize wide participation or knowledge. The addition of "dog" in this version of the idiom adds a touch of humor and exaggeration.

Using "dog" in the idiom reflects the cultural association of dogs being popular and well-liked pets, and extends the idea that absolutely everyone is involved or aware.

For example, one might say, "Everybody and their dog is going to the beach this weekend," or "Everybody and their dog knows about the new restaurant in town."

All of these variations of the idiom everybody and their brother serve to emphasize the point that a large number of people are involved or have knowledge of a particular activity or situation. Whether it's everybody and their cousin, everybody and their mother, or everybody and their dog, these idiomatic expressions convey a sense of inclusivity, exaggeration, and humor.

So next time you want to highlight the widespread participation or knowledge of something, remember to use these idioms. Just be sure not to take them too literally, as their true meaning lies in their figurative usage.