everyone and their brother: Idiom Meaning and Origin

Everyone and their brother is an idiomatic expression that indicates a large number of people involved in a particular activity or event. The idiom is primarily used in American English and is often employed in a colloquial context.

The phrase "everyone and their brother" can be traced back to a similar expression, "everyone and his cousin," which has been in use since at least the early 19th century. The idiom evolved from the use of gender-specific pronouns, where the masculine pronoun "his" was used to encompass both genders. Over time, the expression evolved to include "everyone and their brother," reflecting a more inclusive language choice.

This idiomatic expression emphasizes the widespread nature of a particular situation or the high level of participation by various individuals. It conveys a sense of exaggeration, emphasizing the overwhelming number of people involved.

For example, one might say, "When the new iPhone was released, everyone and their brother was lined up outside the store to get their hands on one." This usage emphasizes the large number of people eagerly waiting to purchase the popular smartphone.

Another example could be, "The company's annual picnic was a huge success, with everyone and their brother attending the event." This highlights the significant turnout at the picnic, suggesting that a vast number of people participated in the gathering.

This idiom does not have a specific regional or cultural connotation, as it can be heard in various parts of the United States and is understood by a wide range of English speakers. However, idiomatic expressions can vary in popularity and usage across different regions and communities.

It is important to note the informal nature of this idiom, as it may not be suitable for use in formal or professional writing. It is primarily reserved for casual conversations, storytelling, or informal written communication.

The idiom "everybody and their brother" is a related idiom that serves a similar purpose. It further emphasizes the large number of people involved in a particular activity or event. An example sentence using this idiom could be, "The town meeting was a packed event, with everybody and their brother attending to voice their opinions."

The idiom "everybody and his cousin" is another related idiom that conveys a similar meaning. This idiom also highlights the extensive participation of many individuals. An example sentence using this idiom could be, "The concert was a huge hit, with everybody and his cousin showing up to enjoy the music."

Overall, the idiom "everyone and their brother" serves as a linguistic tool to convey the extent of participation or involvement by a large number of individuals. Its usage adds a touch of exaggeration to emphasize the sheer number of people engaged in a particular activity or event. While its exact origin remains uncertain, the idiom continues to be part of everyday language, reflecting the ever-evolving nature of idiomatic expressions.