everyone and his brother: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "everyone and his brother" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It typically refers to a large or excessive number of people. The phrase implies that not only is everyone present, but so is their brother, emphasizing the inclusiveness and crowdedness of the situation.

The origins of this idiom are not entirely clear, as there are no concrete sources that can definitively pinpoint its exact beginning. However, it is believed to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century, making it a relatively modern idiom compared to others in the English language.

One possible explanation for the origin of this idiom is the notion that a family gathering or event would attract not only the immediate family members, but also distant relatives and extended family. This idea of a large gathering where everyone, including their brothers, is present may have contributed to the development of the idiom.

Another theory suggests that the idiom may have its roots in the concept of hyperbole and exaggeration. By using the phrase "everyone and his brother," speakers are purposefully exaggerating the number of people present to emphasize the overwhelming nature of the situation. This usage of hyperbole is a common linguistic device across many languages and cultures.

It is worth noting that while the idiom traditionally includes the word "brother," it is often used in a gender-neutral or non-literal sense. The phrase is not meant to exclude anyone based on gender, but rather to convey the idea of a large and inclusive group. In contemporary usage, the idiom has evolved to be more inclusive and adaptable.

The idiom "everyone and his brother" is a widely used phrase in the English language. While its exact origins are uncertain, it is believed to have emerged in the United States in the early 20th century. The idiom conveys the idea of a large group or gathering, emphasizing inclusiveness and crowding. Whether rooted in the concept of family events or the use of hyperbole, the idiom continues to be relevant and employed in various contexts today.

The related idiom "everybody and their brother" builds on the inclusivity and crowdedness expressed in "everyone and his brother." This idiom further emphasizes the idea that not only is everybody present, but so is their brother, stretching the boundaries of the group to accommodate even more people.

This idiom is often used in casual conversation to describe situations where a large number of people are involved. It can be seen in sentences like, "At the concert last night, everybody and their brother was there." By using this idiom, speakers convey the sense of a crowded and popular event.

In a similar vein, the idiom "everybody and his cousin" also conveys the idea of a large gathering or group. By introducing the concept of a cousin, the idiom suggests that the number of people present has expanded to include even more extended family members.

This idiom is often used to emphasize the size and inclusiveness of a group. For example, someone might say, "The party was so crowded, it felt like everybody and his cousin showed up." This use of the idiom creates a vivid image of a densely populated gathering.

Another related idiom, "everybody and his mother," takes the inclusivity of the group to another level. By involving not only everybody and their brother or cousin, but also their mothers, the idiom paints a picture of an overwhelmingly large gathering.

This idiom is frequently used to describe situations where a vast number of people are present. For instance, one might say, "When the store announced a sale, everybody and his mother rushed to get there." Here, the idiom underscores the immense size of the crowd.

The final related idiom, "everybody and their dog," introduces the idea of including not only humans, but also animals in the group. This idiom is often used humorously to express the overcrowding of a place or event.

By including dogs in the idiom, speakers create a lighthearted and exaggerated image of a situation. For instance, someone might jokingly say, "The theater was so packed, everybody and their dog showed up for the movie premiere." This use of the idiom adds a playful and humorous tone to the conversation.