of all things: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘of all things’ mean?
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.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "what are the odds" is used to express surprise or disbelief about the likelihood of something happening. It suggests that the chances of that particular event occurring are very low or unexpected.
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 "say it all" means to fully express or reveal everything, leaving nothing unsaid or unexplained.
The idiom "quelle surprise" is a sarcastic remark used to express a lack of surprise or to mock something that is expected or predictable.
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 the blue" means something unexpected or surprising that happens suddenly, without any warning or explanation.
The idiom "out of nowhere" means something unexpectedly or suddenly appearing without any prior indication or warning.
The idiom "on the whole" means considering all aspects or generally speaking.
The idiom "on stun" means to be surprised or shocked by something. It is often used to emphasize the level of surprise or shock.
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.
Unexpected Interpretation
The idiom "of all things" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is a phrase that expresses surprise or disbelief when something unexpected or unusual happens. Its usage is most common in informal conversations and in written English, but it is rarely used in formal settings. When used, it is often found in exclamatory or interrogative sentences to convey a strong sense of surprise or disbelief. For example, "Of all things, he chose the pink socks!"
The meaning of the idiom "of all things" is quite literal. It emphasizes the unexpected or surprising nature of a particular situation, event, or choice. It suggests that out of all possible options or choices, the one that actually occurred is the least likely or the most unusual. This idiom can be used to express both positive and negative surprise, depending on the context in which it is used.
The exact origin of the idiom "of all things" is difficult to pinpoint. However, it is believed to be a variation of the older expression "of all people," which has been used since at least the late 19th century. This older version of the idiom had a similar meaning but focused specifically on people. Over time, the expression expanded to include not just people, but also objects, events, and situations.
One related idiom is "of all loves." This phrase is used to express surprise or disbelief when someone falls in love with an unexpected or unconventional person or thing. It highlights the unexpected nature of the love interest. For example, "Of all loves, she fell for the delivery guy!"
Another related idiom is "of all places." This idiom is used to express surprise or disbelief when an event or situation occurs in an unexpected or unlikely location. It emphasizes the unusual nature of the place where something happened. For example, "Of all places, they found the missing key under the doormat!"
The third related idiom is "of all people." It is similar to the original version of the idiom "of all things" and focuses specifically on people. This phrase is used to express surprise or disbelief when a particular person is involved in an unexpected or surprising event or situation. It highlights the unexpected nature of the person's involvement. For example, "Of all people, he won the lottery!"
While the idiom "of all things" is widely used and understood by English speakers, its origins and evolution have not been extensively documented or studied. It is a reflection of the complexity and richness of the English language, which is constantly evolving and adapting to new expressions and phrases. The usage of this idiom demonstrates the ongoing evolution of English expressions and the diverse ways in which surprise and disbelief are conveyed in the language.
The idiom "of all things" is a versatile expression used to convey surprise or disbelief in unexpected situations or choices. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it has been used in the English language for many years. The idiom reflects the diversity and dynamism of language, and its ongoing usage reflects the continuing evolution of English expressions. Whether it is used to express surprise at a love interest, an unexpected location, or the involvement of a particular person, the idiom "of all things" adds a touch of surprise and emphasis to the English language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "of all things" can be used in a sentence:
- "I dropped my phone and it landed in a puddle, of all things!"
- "She forgot her passport on the day of her international flight, of all things."
- "He chose to wear a pink tutu to the party, of all things."
An analysis of the idiom "of all things":
The idiom "of all things" is used to express surprise or disbelief about a particular situation, event, or choice. It is typically used to emphasize the unexpectedness or irony of the situation. In the provided examples, the phrase is used to highlight the unexpected or ironic nature of the dropped phone landing in a puddle, the forgotten passport on the day of an international flight, and the choice to wear a pink tutu to a party.
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