everything but the kitchen sink: Idiom Meaning and Origin

*everything but the kitchen sink* is an idiom that originated in the early 1900s. The idiom is commonly used in the United States and refers to including a wide variety of items or actions in a humorous or exaggerated way. It implies an abundance or inclusion of everything imaginable, except for the kitchen sink.

The exact origin of the idiom is unclear, but it is believed to come from the idea of moving homes. In the early 20th century, when people would move, they took everything they could with them, from furniture to appliances and belongings. However, they typically left behind the kitchen sink due to its heavy and cumbersome nature. This gave rise to the expression *everything but the kitchen sink*, suggesting that even impractical or unnecessary items would be taken along, except for the kitchen sink.

The expression gained popularity during World War II and was used to describe soldiers who carried excessive amounts of gear or equipment, but not the kitchen sink. This exaggerated image emphasized the idea of overwhelming abundance and inclusion.

In modern usage, *everything but the kitchen sink* is often used to describe situations where individuals or entities attempt to include or incorporate every possible item or action without considering practicality or restraint. It can be used literally, like when someone packs for a trip and brings an excessive amount of items, or figuratively, like when someone lists multiple unrelated topics or ideas without coherence.

Additionally, the idiom can convey frustration or exasperation with excessive amounts of something. For instance, if someone complained about a long and tedious meeting where every possible topic was discussed, they could say, "They covered everything but the kitchen sink."

Overall, the idiom *everything but the kitchen sink* has become a widely used expression in American English. It represents the concept of overwhelming abundance or inclusion. Its origins in moving events and World War II add depth to its usage and provide insight into the cultural references it carries. The idiom continues to be used today, offering a colorful and exaggerated way to describe situations where an excessive or all-encompassing approach is taken.

Now let's explore a few related idioms that share some similarities with *everything but the kitchen sink*.

The phrase *everything and the kitchen sink* is an extension of the original idiom. It means including absolutely everything, even the kitchen sink itself. Adding the kitchen sink to the mix emphasizes the idea of including every possible item or action imaginable.

Let's say you're describing someone's travel luggage. You could say, "He packed everything and the kitchen sink." This means he packed an excessive amount of items, going beyond what is necessary or practical.

The expression *and all this* is often used to indicate the inclusion of additional things or actions beyond what has already been mentioned. It is similar to *everything but the kitchen sink* in that it implies an overwhelming inclusion or abundance.

For example, imagine you're at a restaurant ordering food. You might say, "I'll have the steak, the salad, and all this," pointing to the wide variety of side dishes and condiments. This conveys that you want a little bit of everything available.

Lastly, we have the idiom *anything goes*. This phrase suggests that there are no rules or restrictions, and anything is acceptable or allowed.

Imagine you're at a party where the dress code is formal, but someone shows up in casual attire. You could say, "It seems like anything goes tonight." This means that there are no strict rules regarding clothing and people are free to wear whatever they want.

All in all, these idioms all share a common theme of including a wide range of items or actions, often to an excessive or overwhelming degree. They add color and convey a sense of abundance or lack of restraint. Understanding these related idioms can help deepen your understanding of the idiom *everything but the kitchen sink* and its usage in everyday conversations.