everyone and their mother: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "everyone and their mother" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It is often used to emphasize that a large number of people are involved in a particular activity or event. This idiom is believed to have originated in the early 1900s and has since become a popular figure of speech. It is often used in informal contexts, such as casual conversations, and can be heard in various settings, including movies, television shows, and everyday conversations. The phrase itself is a form of hyperbole, exaggerating the number of people involved to emphasize a point.

When someone says "everyone and their mother," they are implying that not only a large group of people are present or participating in something, but even their mothers are involved. This exaggeration emphasizes the idea of inclusiveness and the notion that absolutely everyone is included or aware of the situation at hand. The related idiom "everyone and his mother" serves a similar purpose to convey the same meaning.

The idiom "everyone and their mother" is used to portray a sense of ubiquity and to highlight the idea that a particular event or activity has gained widespread attention or interest. It is often employed in situations where a person wants to emphasize the significance or popularity of something or to express frustration or annoyance at the overwhelming number of people involved. Similarly, the idiom "everybody and his mother" can be used in these situations to convey the same message.

For example, if someone says, "Everyone and their mother was at the concert last night," they are emphasizing that a large number of people attended the concert. This usage suggests that the event was highly popular and attracted a diverse crowd. Similarly, if someone says, "Everybody and his mother knows about the new restaurant in town," they are highlighting the widespread knowledge and awareness of the restaurant. Both idioms serve to underscore the inclusive and popular nature of the respective situations.

The idioms "everyone and their mother" and "everybody and his mother" are both versatile expressions that can be used in a variety of contexts. They add color and vibrancy to conversations while emphasizing the widespread involvement and awareness of people in a particular event or activity. The exaggerated nature of these idioms gives them a punch and adds a touch of humor to conversations. So, the next time you want to emphasize the inclusiveness and popularity of a situation, don't hesitate to use either of these idioms.