for good and all: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘for good and all’ mean?
The idiom "for good and all" means to do something once and for all, or to fully complete or resolve a situation. It implies a final and decisive action, leaving no room for further discussion or uncertainty.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "in for the kill" is used to describe a situation where someone is determined to achieve their goal and will do whatever it takes to succeed.
The idiom "in for a penny, in for a pound" means that once you commit to doing something, you might as well fully commit and go all the way, regardless of the cost or consequences.
The idiom "in for a dime, in for a dollar" means that once you commit to something, you are fully committed and have to see it through to the end, regardless of the consequences or risks involved.
The idiom "good and" is used as an intensifier to indicate something is very much or completely in a certain state or condition.
The idiom "go all the way" means to fully commit or complete a task or action without hesitation or reservation.
The idiom "go all out" means to put in maximum effort or to do something with full dedication and enthusiasm.
The idiom "for this once" means to make an exception or allow something to happen just this one time.
The idiom "for the ages" means something that is timeless and will be remembered or celebrated for a very long time.
The idiom "for real and for true" means to be genuine, sincere, and not pretending or joking. It emphasizes the seriousness and authenticity of a statement or situation.
The idiom "for one's life" means doing something urgently or desperately to avoid harm, danger, or death.
Decoding the Phrase
The idiom "for good and all" carries a specific meaning that is well-known to native English speakers. When someone says, "I'm leaving for good and all," it means they are leaving permanently and will not return. This idiom conveys a sense of absoluteness and certainty.
The origin of this idiom dates back to the 16th century, although the phrase "for good" was used as early as the 14th century to mean "permanently" or "forever." By adding "and all," emphasis is placed on the finality of the action or decision. The exact origins of this idiom are difficult to pinpoint, but it has been in use for centuries.
Over time, "for good and all" has become deeply rooted in the English language, extending beyond its original context. It is now commonly used in various situations to indicate a firm and conclusive action or decision. For example, someone might say, "I'm quitting this job for good and all," to convey their determination to never return.
It's worth noting that this idiom is widely understood and used throughout the English-speaking world, but its frequency of use may vary among different groups or in specific contexts.
Idiomatic expressions like "for good and all" can sometimes create confusion or misinterpretation for non-native English speakers. The figurative meaning of the idiom may not be immediately apparent to those unfamiliar with its usage and context. Therefore, it is essential to consider the audience and context when using this idiom.
The idiom "for good" is another expression that signifies finality or permanence. When someone says, "I'm quitting this job for good," it means they are quitting permanently and will not return. This idiom is similar to "for good and all" in conveying absolute certainty.
On the other hand, the idiom "for all the world" is used to emphasize something that is true or certain in any situation. For example, someone might say, "I wouldn't do that for all the world" to express that they absolutely would not do something under any circumstances. This idiom adds emphasis to the finality or certainty of a statement.
Lastly, the idiom "for good measure" is used when something additional is done to ensure completion or thoroughness. For example, someone might say, "I cleaned the entire house, and I vacuumed the stairs for good measure." This idiom implies that the extra action was taken to make sure everything was fully done.
The idiom "for good and all" carries the meaning of completion or finality. It is widely used in the English language and understood by native speakers. The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 16th century, but its exact origins are uncertain. Similarly, the idioms "for good," "for all the world," and "for good measure" also convey a sense of finality or certainty in different contexts. As with any idiom, it is important to consider the audience and context to ensure effective communication.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom for good and all can be used in a sentence:
- He decided to quit smoking for good and all after his health scare.
- She broke up with her toxic boyfriend for good and all and never looked back.
- They finally resolved their long-standing feud for good and all by apologizing to each other.
The idiom for good and all is often used to express a permanent or definitive action. It indicates that something is being done or decided in a way that will have lasting consequences. It is commonly used in contexts involving quitting a habit, ending a harmful relationship, or resolving a conflict.
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