whole shebang: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘whole shebang’ mean?
The idiom "whole shebang" means everything or the entirety of something. It is often used when referring to a complete package, group, or set of things.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "whole shooting match" means the entirety or complete package of something. It implies including every element or aspect related to a particular situation, often used to emphasize that nothing has been left out or excluded.
The idiom "whole enchilada" means the entirety or everything of a particular thing or situation.
The idiom "whole cloth" means to create or invent something entirely new, without any basis or reference to existing facts or evidence.
The idiom "whole box of tricks" refers to a person or thing that possesses a wide range of skills, abilities, or resources. It suggests that the subject has a complete set or collection of tools or methods for accomplishing a task or achieving a goal.
The idiom "whole ball of wax" means considering or encompassing everything related to a particular situation or topic.
The idiom "say it all" means to fully express or reveal everything, leaving nothing unsaid or unexplained.
The idiom "on the whole" means considering all aspects or generally speaking.
The idiom "one and all" means every single person or thing, without exception.
The idiom "head to toe" means completely or fully, often referring to being covered or dressed from head to toe in something.
Shedding Light on "Shebang's" Origin
The idiom "whole enchilada" is closely related to the phrase "whole shebang." Both expressions convey the idea of completeness or entirety. "Whole enchilada" is believed to have originated from Mexican cuisine, where an enchilada is a dish made of a tortilla filled with various ingredients and covered in sauce. When someone says, "the whole enchilada," they mean the entirety of something, emphasizing that nothing is left out.
Another similar expression is "whole shooting match," which is often used interchangeably with "whole shebang" and "whole enchilada." The phrase "whole shooting match" has its roots in American slang and dates back to at least the 19th century. It likely comes from the idea of an entire competition or game, where all the players and elements are involved.
The phrase "as a whole" is another idiom related to "whole shebang." When something is referred to "as a whole," it means considering all the parts or aspects together as a complete entity. This expression is often used to discuss the entirety of a group, organization, or system.
The idiomatic expression "whole ball of wax" is also closely related to "whole shebang." The origin of this phrase is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in American English in the 19th or early 20th century. It is used to refer to the entirety of a situation or matter, emphasizing that everything is included and nothing is left out.
The idiom "whole shebang" is part of a broader group of idioms that convey the idea of entirety or completeness. Expressions like "whole enchilada," "whole shooting match," "as a whole," and "whole ball of wax" are all closely related and share the same meaning of encompassing all aspects or elements of a situation or collection. These idioms have become ingrained in the English language and are widely understood and used in both casual and formal contexts.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "whole shebang" can be used in a sentence:
- He bought the whole shebang - the car, the house, and all the furniture.
- After months of planning, they finally completed the whole shebang - the wedding, the reception, and the honeymoon.
- They won the lottery and decided to quit their jobs, sell their belongings, and travel the world - they were going for the whole shebang.
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