of all people: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘of all people’ mean?
The idiom "of all people" is used to express surprise or incredulity that a certain person would be involved in a particular situation, given their character, background, or expertise.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "the whole world and his dog" means that a large number of people or a crowd of people, including unexpected ones, are present in a particular place or are interested in something.
The idiom "say that" is used to express surprise or disbelief when someone makes a statement that is unexpected or hard to believe.
The idiom "out of the ordinary" means something or someone that is not usual or typical. It refers to a deviation from what is considered normal or expected.
The idiom "out of nowhere" means something unexpectedly or suddenly appearing without any prior indication or warning.
The idiom "one of those things" refers to a situation or event that is out of one's control, often unexpected or difficult to explain or understand.
The idiom "one and all" means every single person or thing, without exception.
The idiom "of an" is used to emphasize a particular quality or characteristic of someone or something. It indicates that the quality being mentioned is extremely notable or outstanding.
The idiom "of all things" is used to express surprise or disbelief about something unexpected or unlikely. It emphasizes the unexpectedness of the thing being referred to.
The idiom "of all loves" is used to show surprise or disbelief. It is a variation of the phrase "of all things" and is typically used to emphasize the unexpectedness of a situation or event.
Unexpected Origin
The idiom "of all people" is an expression commonly used in the English language. It emphasizes surprise, irony, or disbelief that a specific person or group would be involved in a particular situation or action. The phrase is typically used in spoken and informal language rather than formal writing. It is frequently used when discussing someone's unexpected or ironic involvement in an event or decision.
The idiom "of all things" is often used in conjunction with "of all people" to express astonishment or frustration towards a particular situation or object. It conveys a sense of disbelief that the thing being referred to would be involved in a specific context. For example, one might say, "Of all things, I can't believe he lost his car keys again." This highlights the speaker's surprise at the unexpected occurrence.
The idiom "of all places" is another phrase commonly used in addition to "of all people" to express surprise or disbelief about a specific location. It conveys astonishment that the place being referred to would be involved in a particular context. For instance, one might say, "Of all places, they decided to have their wedding at a haunted mansion." This showcases the speaker's surprise at the unexpected choice of venue.
The use of idioms such as "of all things" and "of all places" adds depth and emphasis to the expression "of all people." These related idioms allow for a more nuanced description of surprising or ironic situations involving individuals or groups. By incorporating these idioms into everyday conversations, individuals can effectively convey their astonishment or frustration in a concise and impactful manner.
The idiom "of all people" is a commonly used expression that emphasizes surprise, irony, or disbelief. It is typically used in spoken and informal language and is frequently employed when discussing someone's unexpected or ironic involvement in an event or decision. The related idioms "of all things" and "of all places" further enhance the expression and allow for a more nuanced description of surprising or ironic situations. Incorporating these idioms into conversations can effectively convey astonishment or frustration and add depth to the speaker's message.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "of all people" can be used in a sentence:
- He was the one who stole my wallet, of all people!
- She asked for relationship advice from her youngest brother, of all people.
- The boss appointed the laziest employee as the team leader, of all people.
The idiom "of all people" is used to express surprise or frustration when someone unexpected or undesirable is involved in a particular situation. It highlights the irony or disbelief in the person's involvement and implies that they are the last person one would expect or want to be part of the situation.
More "People" idioms
