The American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms: American English Idiomatic Expressions & Phrases

By Christine Ammer

From “all systems go” to “senior moment”—a comprehensive reference to idiomatic English.
 
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms explores the meanings and origins of idioms that may not make literal sense but play an important role in the language—including phrasal verbs such as kick back, proverbs such as too many cooks spoil the broth, interjections such as tough beans, and figures of speech such as elephant in the room.
 
With extensive revisions that reflect new historical scholarship and changes in the English language, this second edition defines over 10,000 idiomatic expressions in greater detail than any other dictionary available today—a remarkable reference for those studying the English language, or anyone who enjoys learning its many wonderful quirks and expressions.
 
“Invaluable as a teaching tool.” —School Library Journal

• Language: English
• Publisher: Open Road Integrated Media
• Release date: May 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9780547677538

Book preview

Words are included in this dictionary on the basis of their usage. Words that are known to have current trademark registrations are shown with an initial capital and are also identified as trademarks. No investigation has been made of common-law trademark rights in any word, because such investigation is impracticable. The inclusion of any word in this dictionary is not, however, an expression of the publisher’s opinion as to whether or not it is subject to proprietary rights. Indeed, no definition in this dictionary is to be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark.

American Heritage and the eagle logo are registered trademarks of American Heritage Inc. Their use is pursuant to a license agreement with American Heritage Inc.

Copyright © 2013 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust.

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The Library of Congress has cataloged the print edition as follows:

Ammer, Christine.

The American Heritage dictionary of idioms / Christine Ammer. — 2nd ed.

p. cm.

ISBN 978-0-547-67658-6

1. English language—United States—Idioms—Dictionaries. 2. English language—United States—Terms and phrases. 3. Americanisms—Dictionaries. I. Title.

PE2839.A47 2013

423'.13—dc23

2012026443

eISBN 978-0-547-67753-8

v1.0513

Preface

This book is a comprehensive survey of the idioms currently used in American English. An idiom is a set phrase of two or more words that means something different from the literal meaning of the individual words. For instance, the phrase to change one’s tune has nothing to do with music but means to alter one’s attitude. Similarly, to hit the nail on the head often has nothing to do with carpentry but means simply to be absolutely right. Idioms are the idiosyncrasies of a language. Often defying the rules of logic, they pose great difficulties for non-native speakers. English abounds with phrases such as if worst comes to worst, far and away, and how do you do, which, if translated literally, make no sense. Indeed, the true test of an idiom is whether it changes meaning when rendered word for word in another language.

In addition to idioms, this book includes common figures of speech, such as dark horse and blind as a bat; interjections and formula phrases, such as all the best and take care; emphatic redundancies whose word order cannot be reversed, such as far and wide and cease and desist; common proverbs, especially ones that often occur in abbreviated form, such as a bird in the hand; col­loquialisms such as off the beam and out in left field; and slang phrases such as push the envelope.

Each expression is defined and illustrated by at least one sample sentence showing how it is used in context. In most cases the literal meaning of a phrase is omitted; thus the entry hold up omits the definition keep upright or support. Wherever pos­sible I have included information regarding the expression’s origin or background, along with its date of first appearance. I have given approximate dates for most idioms to allow for their probable use in speech before being written down.

The ultimate origin of many idioms is unknown. Some idioms, such as by hook or crook, use familiar words in obscure ways. Some preserve words that are otherwise obsolete, such as hue in hue and cry and fell in in one fell swoop. I have tried to explain these lost origins and obscure meanings whenever research can shed light on them. The result is a dictionary that treats more than 10,000 English expressions in greater detail and depth than any other book available today. I hope that all speakers of English will find it both useful and enjoyable.

Heartfelt thanks are due to the many friends and acquaintances who have offered valuable suggestions, advice, and help, especially my late husband Dean Ammer. Special mention must be made of Steven R. Kleinedler, Executive Editor, and Peter Chipman, Editor, of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for their assistance with this edition. I would also like to thank Jesse Sheidlower of Oxford University Press for his generous help dating some of the slang expressions. The dictionary has been vastly improved through their assistance.

—Christine Ammer

Guide to Using This Book

Entries

All entry phrases and synonymous variants are given in boldface type at the beginning of an entry before the definition. Related or similar expressions are given in boldface in the text of the entry. Historical precedents and obsolete phrases appear in italic type. Where a phrase has more than one meaning, definitions are numbered, and whenever possible, ordered by frequency of use. Example sentences appear in italic type, quotations in roman type within quotation marks, and cross-references in small capitals.

Alphabetization and Cross-References

Entries are arranged alphabetically, letter by letter up to the comma in the case of inverted or appended elements.

To locate an entry, it sometimes may be hard to decide which word in a phrase will come first in the alphabetical listing. For example, is as luck would have it under as or luck? To help sort out these problems, entries listing cross-references for key words appear alphabetically among the main entries. By checking these key-word entries, readers can locate every phrase treated as an entry in this book. The reader who does not find as luck would have it under as can look under the entries beginning with the next word, luck. If more help is needed, the entry for the word luck itself lists all the idioms containing that word which appear elsewhere in the book.

Variants or related expressions that are covered under other entry words appear in parentheses in the cross-references. Thus, at the entry soft the reader is referred to HARD (SOFT) SELL, which means that the entry hard sell also treats the phrase soft sell. Note, however, that words in parentheses are not considered part of the alphabetical order, so one should look for hard sell, not hard soft sell.

Variable Pronouns

Many idioms can be used with different pronouns, as, for example, clean up his act, clean up her act, clean up my act. Consequently, the pronouns one and someone are used in entry words and variants to indicate that the object or possessive pronoun in the idiom may vary according to context. One or one’s means that the antecedent of the pronoun must be the subject of the clause, or in some cases an inanimate noun or a gerund must be the subject. For example, the idiom hit one’s stride can appear in a sentence such as She finally hit her stride, or the idiom serve one right can be used in a sentence such as It serves him right to be thrown off the team. But note that sentences like She finally hit his stride are not possible.

The use of someone or someone’s in the idiom means that the pronoun can be replaced only by a noun or pronoun that does not refer to the grammatical subject of the clause. In other words, the action of the verb is directed from one person to another (the someone). For example, the idiom call someone’s bluff implies that you (or he or she or they) can only call someone else’s bluff, never your (or his or her or their) own.

Labels

The labels in brackets preceding the date of an idiom’s first appearance indicate the ­degree of formality or offensiveness. The label colloquial means that a phrase is used in ordinary speech and informal writing but not in more formal contexts. Slang generally refers to phrases that are appropriate only to very informal contexts or are used in irreverent humor. Vulgar slang indicates that a phrase is generally considered offensive. The absence of such a label indicates that a term is considered standard English.

Note that these labels are bound to change, as are the idioms themselves. What is slang today may be standard English tomorrow. Furthermore, what is common usage for a time may die out (in this book indicated as obsolescent) or it may change its meaning, as the idiom beg the question may be doing. As E.B. White put it, The living language is like a cowpath; it is the creation of the cows themselves, who, having created it, follow it or depart from it according to their whims or their needs. From daily use, the path undergoes change.

Dating

Nearly all entries provide some indication of the idiom’s history. For many entries the date when the expression was invented or first used appears within brackets. These dates are often approximate because in many cases a phrase has been used for some time in speech before being recorded in writing. In some cases, as when the expression first appeared in the work of a well-known writer, the precise date and location of its first recorded use are given. Within brackets the abbreviation c. (for Latin circa) is used to mean about, as in c. 1400. The abbreviation A.D. is used for the years 1 through 1000; B.C. is used to indicate years before A.D. 1.

Quotations

Unless otherwise specified, biblical quotations are from the King James translation of 1611. To avoid the difficulties posed to some readers by the English of earlier writers such as Chaucer, many quotations have had their spelling normalized, and some have been rendered into Modern English.

Sources

Among the principal sources used for dates and citations are, first and foremost, The Oxford English Dictionary, Second Edition; The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition; J.E. Lighter, Historical Dictionary of American Slang; The Random House Dictionary of the English Language, Second Edition; Eric Partridge, A Dictionary of Catch Phrases, American and British, from the 16th Century to the Present Day; Webster’s Dictionary of English Usage; Wolfgang Mieder, A Dictionary of American Proverbs; Richard H. Thornton, An American Glossary; Mitford M. Mathews, A Dictionary of Americanisms; Burton Stevenson, Home Book of Proverbs, Maxims, and Familiar Phrases; John Algeo, Fifty Years Among the New Words; Clarence Barnhart, Sol Steinmetz, and Robert Barnhart, The Barnhart Dictionary of New English since 1963 and The Second Barnhart Dictionary of New English; and William Safire, On Language column, The New York Times.

a

aback → See TAKE ABACK.

ABC → See under EASY AS PIE (AS ABC).

abide → In addition to the idioms beginning with ABIDE, also see CAN’T STAND (ABIDE).

abide by Accept and act in accordance with a decision or set of rules; also, remain faithful to. For example, All members must agree to abide by the club regulations, or A trustworthy man abides by his word. An older sense of the verb abide, remain, is still familiar in the well-known 19th-century hymn Abide with Me, which asks God to stay with the singer in time of trouble. [Early 1500s]

a bit 1. A small amount of anything; also, a short period of time. For example, Here’s a bit of wrapping paper, or It’ll be ready in a bit, or Just wait a bit. [c. 1600] 2. Somewhat or rather, as in It stings a bit, or Will you have a bit more to eat? [Second half of 1600s] Also see A LITTLE; BIT BY BIT; NOT A BIT.

about → In addition to the idioms beginning with ABOUT, also see AT ABOUT; BEAT ABOUT THE BUSH; BRING ABOUT; CAST ABOUT; COME ABOUT; DO AN ABOUT-FACE; GET ABOUT; GO ABOUT (ONE’S BUSINESS); HOW ABOUT (THAT); JUST ABOUT; KNOCK ABOUT; LAY ABOUT ONE; MAN ABOUT TOWN; NOSE ABOUT; NO TWO WAYS ABOUT IT; ORDER SOMEONE ABOUT; OUT AND ABOUT; SEE ABOUT; SEND SOMEONE ABOUT HIS OR HER BUSINESS; SET ABOUT; THAT’S ABOUT THE SIZE OF IT; UP AND ABOUT; WHAT ABOUT.

about time Long past the right time; also, approximately the right time. Thus, It’s about time you went to bed can mean either that you should have gone to bed much earlier (often stated with emphasis on the word time), or that now is the appropriate time for you to retire. [Early 1900s] For a synonym, see HIGH TIME.

about to 1. Ready to, on the verge of, as in I was about to leave when it began to rain, or He hasn’t finished yet but he’s about to. This usage was first recorded in Miles Coverdale’s 1535 translation of the Bible (Joshua 18:8). 2. not about to. Having no intention of doing something, as in The shop steward was not about to cross the picket line, or Are you staying longer?—No, I’m not about to. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]

above → In addition to the idioms beginning with ABOVE, also see ALL (NONE) OF THE ABOVE; CUT ABOVE; HEAD AND SHOULDERS ABOVE; OVER AND ABOVE.

above all More than anything else, as in A winter hike calls for good equipment, but above all it requires careful planning. This phrase first appears in William Langland’s Piers Ploughman (1377), in which the narrator exhorts readers to love the Lord God above all. Also see FIRST AND LAST.

above and beyond More than is required. This somewhat redundant expression—above and beyond here both denote excess—often precedes the call of duty, which means exceeding what a particular job requires. Thus Putting in overtime without pay is above and beyond the call of duty. Also see OVER AND ABOVE.

aboveboard → See OPEN AND ABOVEBOARD.

above suspicion So trustworthy as never to be suspected of wrongdoing, as in The wife of Caesar must be above suspicion (Charles Merivale, A History of the Romans under the Empire, 1850). The phrase was given further currency when it was used for the title of a very popular World War II spy film starring Joan Crawford (Above Suspicion, 1943). A similar idiom using above in the sense of beyond is above the law, usually describing an individual or business behaving as though exempt from rules or laws that apply to others.

above the law → See under ABOVE SUSPICION.

absence → In addition to the idiom beginning with ABSENCE, also see CONSPICUOUS BY ITS ABSENCE.

absence makes the heart grow fonder Separation intensifies love, as in After a year in another country she accepted his proposal, so I guess absence makes the heart grow fonder, or, used ironically, The boss leaves earlier every day; oh well, absence makes the heart grow fonder. Although versions of this saying date from Roman times, it only became popular after Thomas Haynes Bayly used it as the last line of a song in The Isle of Beauty (1850). The opposite sentiment is expressed by FAMILIARITY BREEDS CONTEMPT.

absent without leave Away without permission or explanation, as in Her daughter went to the mall but got in trouble for being absent without leave. The term and its acronym, AWOL, originated in the American military during World War I for soldiers absent from duty without permission (leave). It later was transferred to civilian situations, as in John didn’t just cut his Tuesday classes; he went AWOL.

accidentally on purpose → See ON PURPOSE, def. 2.

accident waiting to happen, an A situation that is likely to result in a mishap. The term is used for either minor problems, such as stacking boxes too high, or major ones, as in That ice dam on the roof can cause the whole house to flood; it’s an accident waiting to happen.

accord → See OF ONE’S OWN ACCORD.

according to all accounts → See BY ALL ACCOUNTS.

according to Hoyle In keeping with established rules; on the highest authority, as in The tax records are in excellent order, all according to Hoyle. Edmond Hoyle (1679–1769) of England, author of books of rules for card games, was so highly regarded that numerous writers used his name on their own rule books, even for games that had not been invented by the time of Hoyle’s death, so that his name became synonymous with any rules.

account → In addition to the idiom beginning with ACCOUNT, also see ALL PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED FOR; BY ALL ACCOUNTS; CALL TO ACCOUNT; GIVE A GOOD ACCOUNT OF ONESELF; NO ACCOUNTING FOR TASTES; ON ACCOUNT; ON ACCOUNT OF; ON NO ACCOUNT; ON ONE’S OWN ACCOUNT; TAKE ACCOUNT OF; TAKE INTO ACCOUNT; TURN TO GOOD ACCOUNT.

account for 1. Be the determining factor in; cause. For example, The heat wave accounts for all this food spoilage, or Icy roads account for the increase in accidents. 2. Explain or justify, as in Jane was upset because her son couldn’t account for the three hours between his last class and his arrival at home. Both of these related usages are derived from the literal meaning of the phrase, that is, make a reckoning of an account. The negative is also used (see NO ACCOUNTING FOR TASTES). This phrase, an anglicization of the Latin de gustibus non est disputandum, has been used since the late 1700s.

accustomed to Used to something or someone; having the habit of doing something. For example, In Spain we gave up our usual schedule and became accustomed to eating dinner at 10 P.M. Professor Higgins in the musical My Fair Lady (1956) ruefully sang the song I’ve Grown Accustomed to Her Face after his protégé Eliza walked out on him. The verb form, to accustom someone to, is also used, as in One simply has to accustom oneself to a vegan diet.[Second half of 1400s]

ace → In addition to the idioms beginning with ACE, also see HOLD ALL THE ACES; TRUMP SOMEONE’S ACE; WITHIN AN ACE OF.

ace in the hole A hidden advantage or resource kept in reserve until needed, as in The prosecutor had an ace in the hole: an eyewitness. The term comes from stud poker, where each player is dealt one card face down—the so-called hold card—and the rest face up. Should the hole card be an ace, the player has a hidden advantage. Hole here simply means a hiding place. In the 19th-century American West, the expression was used to refer to a hidden weapon, such as a gun concealed in a shoulder holster. By the 1920s it had become a metaphor for any surprise advantage or leverage.

ace it Accomplish something with success, as in I’m sure he’ll ace it when he takes that bar exam. The verb ace originated in tennis with the meaning to hit an unreturnable serve against an opponent. The idiom ace it, however, originated as student slang for getting an A on an exam or in a course but soon was extended to other successful accomplishments. [Slang; mid-1900s]

ace out 1. Get the better of, defeat, as in Our team is bound to ace them out, or Those calculus problems aced me out again. [Slang; mid-1900s] 2. Take advantage of or cheat someone, as in John thought they were trying to ace him out of his promised promotion. [Slang; c. 1920]

ace up one’s sleeve → See CARD UP ONE’S SLEEVE.

Achilles’ heel A fatal weakness, a vulnerable area, as in This division, which is rarely profitable, is the company’s Achilles’ heel. The term alludes to the Greek legend about the heroic warrior Achilles whose mother tried to make him immortal by holding the infant by his heel and dipping him into the River Styx. Eventually he was killed by an arrow shot into his undipped heel. [c. 1800]

acid test A decisive trial to determine worth or quality, as in Exposure to brilliant sunlight is the acid test for showing this fabric won’t fade. Alluding to a 19th-century chemical test for distinguishing gold from other metals, this term was used figuratively by the early 1900s.

acquaintance → See NODDING ACQUAINTANCE; SCRAPE UP AN ACQUAINTANCE.

acquired taste Something one learns to like rather than appreciates immediately. For example, Because it is so salty, caviar for many individuals is an acquired taste, or With its lack of decorative detail, this china pattern is definitely an acquired taste. [Mid-1800s]

across → In addition to the idiom beginning with ACROSS, also see COME ACROSS; CUT ACROSS; GET ACROSS; PUT ACROSS; RUN ACROSS.

across the board Applying to all the individuals in a group, as in They promised us an across-the-board tax cut, that is, one applying to all taxpayers, regardless of income. This expression comes from horse racing, where it refers to a bet that covers all possible ways of winning money on a race: win (first), place (second), or show (third). The board here is the notice-board on which the races and betting odds are listed. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.

act → In addition to the idioms beginning with ACT, also see CATCH RED-HANDED (IN THE ACT); CLEAN UP (ONE’S ACT); DO A DISAPPEARING ACT; GET ONE’S ACT TOGETHER; HARD ACT TO FOLLOW; HIGH-WIRE ACT; IN THE ACT; PUT ON AN ACT; READ THE RIOT ACT.

action → In addition to the idiom beginning with ACTIONS, also see ALL TALK (AND NO ACTION); PIECE OF THE ACTION; SWING INTO ACTION.

actions speak louder than words What one does is more important than what one says, as in Politicians need to be reminded that actions speak louder than words. This statement, a proverb found in many languages, including ancient Greek, was first worded in precisely this way in English in Colonial Currency (1736). Also see ALL TALK; DO AS I SAY, NOT AS I DO.

active duty Full-time service, as in Julian is 81, but he still comes to the office every day and is very much on active duty. This term comes from the military, where it stands in opposition to reserve, which refers to troops still in the military but not actively engaged. It is occasionally transferred to civilian matters as well. [First half of 1800s]

act of faith Behavior that shows or tests a person’s religious or other convictions, as in Rock climbing with a new, inexperienced partner was a real act of faith. The term is a translation of the Portuguese auto da fé, which referred to the sentencing and execution of heretics (often by burning at the stake) during the Inquisition, when punishing heresy was thought to constitute an assertion of faith. In modern times it is used for more benign circumstances. [Early 1700s]

act of God An unforeseen and uncontrollable natural event, such as a hurricane, fire, or flood. For example, The publisher shall publish the work within twelve months except in case of delay caused by acts of God such as fires or floods or other circumstances beyond its control. It most often appears in legal contracts, where it is used to indemnify one party against a disaster that prevents it from carrying out the contract’s terms. [Mid-1800s]

act on 1. Also, act upon. Conduct oneself in accordance with or as a result of information or another action, as in I will act on my lawyer’s advice, or The manager refused to act upon the hotel guest’s complaints. [c. 1800] 2. Influence or affect, as in The baby’s fussing acted on the sitter’s nerves. [c. 1800]

act one’s age Behave more maturely. Although the phrase often is used in asking children to act in a more grown-up fashion (Only babies suck their thumbs; act your age), it also may refer to an adult who is, sometimes deliberately, acting much younger than might be considered appropriate (Grandpa, it’s time you stopped climbing ladders and acted your age).

act out 1. Perform or portray something or someone, as in As she read to the class, the teacher had each child act out a different character in the story. [c. 1600] 2. Express unconscious feelings or impulses through one’s behavior, without being aware of it. For example, She acted out her anger at her father by screaming at her husband. This meaning comes from 20th-century psychological theory and usually (but not always) refers to negative or hostile impulses and emotions. The term is sometimes used without an object to mean misbehave or behave disruptively, as in The child is acting out in class. [First half of 1900s] In both usages, out means openly or publicly.

act up 1. Misbehave. For example, With an inexperienced rider, this horse always acts up. [c. 1900]  2. Malfunction, as in I’m not sure what’s wrong with my car, but the transmission is acting up. In both usages up means abnormally.

act upon → See ACT ON.

Adam → See NOT KNOW SOMEONE FROM ADAM.

add fuel to the fire Also, add fuel to the flames. Worsen an already bad situation, as by increasing anger, hostility, or passion, as in Bill was upset, and your making fun of his mishap just added fuel to the fire. This metaphor dates from Roman times—Livy used it in his history of Rome—and it remains in common use. For similar metaphors, see ADD INSULT TO INJURY; FAN THE FLAMES.

add insult to injury Hurt a person’s feelings after doing him or her harm; also, make a bad situation worse. For example, Not only did the club refuse him, but it published a list of the rejected applicants—that’s adding insult to injury, or The nearest parking space was half a mile away, and then, to add insult to injury, it began to pour. The phrase is an ancient one, even older than its often cited use in the Roman writer Phaedrus’s fable of the bald man and the fly. A fly bit the head of a bald man, who, trying to crush it, gave himself a heavy blow. The fly then jeered, You want to avenge an insect’s sting with death; what will you do to yourself, who have added insult to injury? In English it was first recorded in 1748.

addition → See IN ADDITION.

add up 1. Amount to an expected or correct total, as in These figures don’t add up, meaning they are not correct. [Mid-1800s] 2. Be consistent, make sense, as in I’m not sure that all this testimony will add up. [First half of 1900s] 3. Assess, form an opinion of, as in He looked across the track and added up the competition. Also see ADD UP TO.

add up to Amount to, signify, as in The smooth airline connections, luxury hotel, and fine weather added up to the best vacation we’d ever had. [Early 1900s] Also see ADD UP.

ad hoc For the special purpose or end at hand; also, by extension, improvised or impromptu. The term, Latin for to this, is most often used for committees established for a specific purpose, as in The committee was formed ad hoc to address health insurance problems. The term is also used as an adjective (An ad hoc committee was formed), and has given rise to the noun adhocism for the tendency to use temporary, provisional, or improvised methods to deal with a particular problem. [Early 1600s]

admiration → See MUTUAL ADMIRATION SOCIETY.

ad nauseam To ridiculous excess, to a sickening degree. For example, I wish he’d drop the subject; we have heard about budget cuts ad nauseam. The term, Latin for to [the point of] nausea, has been used in English since the early 1600s.

a drag A tedious experience, a bore, as in After several thousand times, signing your autograph can be a drag. This seemingly modern term was army slang during the Civil War. The allusion probably is to drag as something that impedes progress. [Colloquial; mid-1800s]

advance → See IN ADVANCE; MAKE ADVANCES.

advantage → See GET THE ADVANTAGE OF; SHOW TO ADVANTAGE; TAKE ADVANTAGE OF; TO ADVANTAGE.

advocate → See DEVIL’S ADVOCATE.

a far cry → See FAR CRY FROM.

a few A small number of persons or things. This phrase can differ slightly from few used alone, which means not many. For example, The party was to end at eight, but a few stayed on indicates that a small number of guests remained, whereas The party began at eight, and few attended means that hardly any guests came. [Late 1200s] Also see QUITE A BIT (FEW).

afoul of → See RUN AFOUL OF.

afraid of one’s own shadow Very timid and fearful, as in Richard constantly worries about security; he’s afraid of his own shadow. This hyperbole has been used in English since the early 1500s, and some writers believe it originated in ancient Greece.

after → In addition to the idioms beginning with AFTER, also see DAY AFTER DAY; GET AFTER; GO AFTER; INQUIRE AFTER; KEEP AFTER; LIVE HAPPILY EVER AFTER; LOOK AFTER; MORNING AFTER; NAME AFTER; RUN AFTER; SEE AFTER; SOUGHT AFTER; TAKE AFTER; THROW GOOD MONEY AFTER BAD; TIME AFTER TIME.

after a fashion Also, after a sort. Somehow or other; not very well, as in John can read music, after a fashion, or He managed to paint the house after a sort. The first phrase, in which fashion means a manner of doing something, has been so used since the mid-1800s, when it replaced in a fashion. The variant dates from the mid-1500s. Also see IN A WAY; OR OTHER.

after all 1. Despite everything, nevertheless, as in The plane took off half an hour late but landed on time after all. 2. After everything else has been considered, ultimately, as in Mary has final approval of the guest list; after all, it’s her wedding. The two usages are pronounced differently, the first giving stress to the word after and the second to the word all. Both date from the early 1700s. Also see WHEN ALL’S SAID AND DONE.

after all’s said and done → See WHEN ALL’S SAID AND DONE.

after a sort → See AFTER A FASHION.

after a while → See IN A WHILE.

after hours After normal working hours, after closing time; also, after legal or established opening hours. For example, I haven’t time while the shop is open, but I can see you after hours, or The restaurant employees sometimes stayed for a meal after hours. This term originally referred to laws governing business hours. It also gave rise to the term afterhours club, for a drinking club that ­remained open later than similar establishments. [Mid-1800s]

after one’s own heart To one’s own personal liking, as in He’s very patient with the slower pupils; he’s a teacher after my own heart. This idiom appears in the King James Bible of 1611 (I Samuel 13:14). [Late 1500s]

after the fact → After an actual occurrence, particularly after a crime. For example, I know the brakes should have been repaired, but that doesn’t help much after the fact. The use of fact for a crime dates from the first half of the 1500s. The word became standard in British law and is still used in this way today. The idiom was first recorded in 1769 in the phrase accessories after the fact, referring to persons who assist a lawbreaker after a crime has been committed. Now it is also used more loosely, as in the example above.

again → In addition to the idiom beginning with AGAIN, also see COME AGAIN; DO OVER (AGAIN); EVERY NOW AND THEN (AGAIN); HERE (ONE) GOES (AGAIN); NOW AND AGAIN; OFF AND ON (OFF AGAIN, ON AGAIN); OVER AGAIN; SOMETHING ELSE AGAIN; TIME AFTER TIME (TIME AND TIME AGAIN); YOU CAN SAY THAT AGAIN.

again and again Repeatedly, often, as in I’ve told you again and again, don’t turn up the heat. This idiom uses repetition for the purpose of emphasis (as does its synonym, OVER AND OVER). Shakespeare used it in Othello (1:3): I have told thee often, and I retell thee again and again. [c. 1600]

against → In addition to the idioms beginning with AGAINST, also see BEAT ONE’S HEAD AGAINST THE WALL; CARDS ARE STACKED AGAINST; COME UP AGAINST; COUNT AGAINST; DEAD SET AGAINST; HAVE SOMETHING AGAINST; HOLD SOMETHING AGAINST; OVER AGAINST; PIT AGAINST; RAISE A HAND AGAINST; RUN AGAINST; SET AGAINST; SWIM AGAINST THE CURRENT; TURN AGAINST; TWO STRIKES AGAINST; UP AGAINST.

against all odds In spite of seeming very unlikely, as in Against all odds we had a snowstorm in early May, or Against all odds the slower team won. This transfer of a betting term to general usage occurred about 1900.

against one’s better judgment Despite serious misgivings or objections, as in Against my better judgment, I told her to come whenever she pleased.

against one’s will Without one’s consent, forcibly, as in The defendant knew he could not be made to testify against his will. Originally one meaning of will was acquiescence or consent, but this sense survives only in this idiom, which today nearly always implies some use of force. [c. 1400]

against the clock Also, against time. In a great hurry, as fast as possible, as in With her term paper due on Monday, she was racing against the clock to finish it, or They were working against time to stay on schedule. The term comes from various sports in which the contestants do not directly compete against each other but instead are timed individually, the winner being the one who is fastest. Its figurative use dates from the mid-1900s.

against the grain Opposed to one’s inclination or preference, as in We followed the new supervisor’s advice, though it went against the grain. This metaphor refers to the natural direction of the fibers in a piece of wood, called its grain; when sawed obliquely, or against the grain, the wood will tend to splinter. [c. 1600] For a synonym, see RUB THE WRONG WAY.

against the current → See SWIM AGAINST THE CURRENT.

age → See ACT ONE’S AGE; AWKWARD AGE; COON’S AGE; GOLDEN AGE; IN THIS DAY AND AGE; OF AGE; RIPE OLD AGE; UNDER AGE.

a goner Something or someone that is dead, doomed, ruined, or past recovery, as in If this new drug doesn’t work, he’s a goner, or Without a working transmission, my car’s a goner. Synonyms of this idiom, such as a gone goose or chicken or gosling, are no longer heard as much. [Slang; mid-1800s]

a good deal Also, a great deal. → See under GOOD DEAL.

ahead → In addition to the idioms beginning with AHEAD, also see COME OUT AHEAD; DEAD AHEAD; FULL SPEED AHEAD; GET AHEAD; GO AHEAD; ONE JUMP AHEAD; QUIT WHILE ONE’S AHEAD.

ahead of one’s time In advance of current ideas, customs, or methods, as in His treatment of light showed this painter to be well ahead of his time, or Wearing trousers and smoking cigars marked Amy Lowell as a woman ahead of her time. This idiom uses time in the sense of era or generation, a usage at least a thousand years old. The phrase is usually but not always used to express approval. [First half of 1900s]

ahead of the game In a position of advantage, ­especially financially; succeeding or winning. For example, If we can sell 2,000 units of this product by next month, we’ll be well ahead of the game. This idiom uses ahead of in the sense of in advance of, a usage dating from the mid-1700s, and transfers success in gambling (the game) to winning in other areas. Also see COME OUT AHEAD.

ahead of time Earlier, sooner, as in The meeting was scheduled for three o’clock, but most people ­arrived ahead of time. [Early 1900s]

aid and abet To assist or encourage something or someone. The term, which pairs two verbs of nearly the same meaning, comes from criminal law, where it means helping in the commission of a crime. Still so used, it also is transferred to non-criminal situations, as in Feeding marmots aids and abets an explosion in their population. [Late 1700s]

aim → In addition to the idiom beginning with AIM, also see TAKE AIM.

aim to Try or intend to do something, as in We aim to please, or She aims to fly to California. This term derives from aim in the sense of direct the course of something, such as an arrow or bullet. [Colloquial; c. 1600]

air → In addition to the idiom beginning with AIR, also see BREATH OF FRESH AIR; CASTLES IN THE AIR; CLEAR THE AIR; GIVE SOMEONE THE AIR; HOT AIR; IN THE AIR; INTO THIN AIR; NOSE IN THE AIR; OFF THE AIR; PUT ON AIRS; UP IN THE AIR; WALK ON AIR; WASH (AIR) ONE’S DIRTY LINEN IN PUBLIC.

air one’s grievances Complain publicly, as in Jane was afraid to complain at work but freely aired her grievances at home. This figurative exposure to the open air is far from new; to air one’s opinions or ideas dates from the early 1800s, and the precise idiom appears in James Joyce’s Ulysses (1922).

à la Like, in the manner of, as in He hoped to break all records, à la Babe Ruth. This expression, an abbreviation of the French à la mode de (for in the manner of), has been used in English since the late 1500s.

alarm → See FALSE ALARM.

albatross around one’s neck A heavy burden of guilt that becomes an obstacle to success, as in The failed real estate scheme became an albatross around her neck, for now she could not interest other investors in a new project. This idiom comes from Samuel Coleridge’s narrative poem, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (1798), which is based on the widespread superstition that it is unlucky to kill this large white sea bird. In the poem a sailor does kill an albatross, and when the ship then is becalmed near the equator and runs out of water, his shipmates blame him and force him to wear the dead bird around his neck.

aleck → See SMART ALECK.

alert → See ON THE ALERT.

a little 1. A small amount, as in Will you have some more meat? Yes, just a little. [Early 1400s] 2. Somewhat or rather, slightly, as in I am a little annoyed with Harry. [Late 1300s] For a synonym, see A BIT.

a little bird → See LITTLE BIRD TOLD ONE.

a little knowledge → See LITTLE KNOWLEDGE IS A DANGEROUS THING.

alive → In addition to the idioms beginning with ALIVE, also see COME ALIVE; EAT SOMEONE ALIVE; LOOK ALIVE; MORE DEAD THAN ALIVE; SKIN ALIVE.

alive and kicking Also, alive and well. Alive and alert; living and healthy. For example, John’s completely recovered; he’s alive and kicking, or You’re quite mistaken; our lawyer is alive and well. The first expression, sometimes shortened to live and kicking, originally was used by fishmongers hawking their wares to convince customers of their freshness and has been considered a cliché since about 1850. The variant originated in the 1960s as a denial of someone’s reported death.

alive to Aware of, conscious of, as in The social worker was alive to all of the mother’s worries. [Mid-1700s]

alive with Teeming with, full of, as in After the annual stocking, the pond was alive with trout. [Late 1700s]

all → In addition to the idioms beginning with ALL, also see ABOVE ALL; AFTER ALL; AGAINST ALL ODDS; AS ALL GETOUT; AT ALL; AT ALL COSTS; BE-ALL AND END-ALL; BEAT ALL; BY ALL ACCOUNTS; BY ALL MEANS; BY ALL ODDS; CAP IT ALL; FALL ALL OVER ONESELF; FIRE ON ALL CYLINDERS; FIRST OF ALL; FOR ALL; FOR ALL ONE CARES; FOR ALL ONE KNOWS; FOR ALL ONE’S WORTH; FOR ALL THAT; GET AWAY (FROM IT ALL); GET ONE’S ACT (IT ALL) TOGETHER; GO ALL THE WAY; HAVE ALL ONE’S BUTTONS; HAVE IT (ALL OVER SOMEONE); HAVE IT BOTH WAYS (ALL); HIT ON ALL CYLINDERS; HOLD ALL THE ACES; IN A (ALL OF A) DITHER; IN ALL; IN (ALL GOOD) CONSCIENCE; IN ALL ONE’S BORN DAYS; IN ALL PROBABILITY; (ALL) IN THE SAME BOAT; IT’S ALL DOWNHILL; IT’S ALL OVER WITH; IT TAKES ALL SORTS; JUMP ALL OVER SOMEONE; KNOW ALL THE ANSWERS; KNOW IT ALL; LAUGH ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK; LEAST OF ALL; LET IT ALL HANG OUT; NOT ALL IT’S CRACKED UP TO BE; NOT AT ALL; NOT FOR ALL THE TEA IN CHINA; NO TIME AT ALL; OF ALL THINGS; ONCE AND FOR ALL; ONE AND ALL; PULL OUT ALL THE STOPS; PUT ALL ONE’S EGGS IN ONE BASKET; SEEN ONE, SEEN THEM ALL; TILL ALL HOURS; TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES; (ALL) TO THE GOOD; TURN OUT ALL RIGHT; WALK ALL OVER; WARTS AND ALL; WHEN ALL’S SAID AND DONE; WITH ALL DUE RESPECT; WITH ALL ONE’S HEART; YOU CAN’T WIN ‘EM ALL.

all along From the start, throughout, from end to end, as in I’ve known he was innocent all along. [c. 1600] Also see ALL ALONG THE LINE.

all along the line Also, all the way down the line. At every point, stage, or moment. For example, We’ve had problems with this supplier all along the line, or He’s been very helpful all the way down the line. The line originally referred to a row of troops, but the expression has been used figuratively since the late 1800s. Also see SOMEWHERE ALONG THE LINE.

all and sundry One and all, as in The salesman gave samples to all and sundry. [Late 1400s]

all at once 1. All at the same time, as in We can’t get inside all at once, so please wait your turn. [Late 1300s]  2. Suddenly, unexpectedly, as in All at once the sky darkened. For a synonym, see ALL OF A SUDDEN.

all at sea → See AT SEA.

all bets are off All agreements or deals are canceled; the usual expectations no longer apply. This 20th-century term comes from gambling. For example, Don had expected a promotion but with the company shutting its Boston office all bets are off.

all better Completely healed or cured, as in Once we’ve bandaged it up, you’ll be all better. This term is often used to comfort a child who has been hurt. It uses all in the sense of entirely and better in the sense of cured. The usage has been in the language since A.D. 1000.

all but Almost, nearly, as in I’ve all but finished the book. This expression was used by Andrew Marvell in Thoughts in a Garden: "Society is all but rude, To this delicious solitude." [Late 1500s]

all cylinders → See FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS.

all ears Eager to hear something, listening attentively, as in Tell me, who else was invited? I’m all ears. [Colloquial; late 1700s] Also see ALL EYES.

all else being equal → See OTHER THINGS BEING EQUAL.

alley → In addition to the idiom beginning with ­ALLEY, also see BLIND ALLEY; RIGHT UP ONE’S ALLEY.

alley cat A promiscuous woman; also, a person of loose morals. For example, She’s constantly picking up men in bars—a real alley cat. This idiom transfers a stray cat that frequents alleys in search of food to a woman of easy virtue, especially a prostitute seeking customers. [Slang; early 1900s]

all eyes Watching very closely, as in The buyers at the fashion show were all eyes. Worded slightly differently (with all one’s eyes), this idiom dates from the mid-1500s. Also see its counterpart, ALL EARS.

all for Completely in favor of something or someone, as in I’m all for eating before we leave, or The players are all for the new soccer coach. This colloquial phrase was first recorded in 1864.

all for the best Also, for the best. Best in the long run, despite appearances to the contrary. It is often a response to an unhappy outcome, as in They had to sell their business, but since they weren’t making money it’s probably for the best, or The dress had been sold when she went back, but since it was a little too tight it’s all for the best. [Late 1300s]

all gone Completely finished or used up, as in There’s no milk left; it’s all gone.

all hours Irregular times, as in You can’t come home at all hours and expect your supper to be ready. The expression can also mean late at night, as in College students like to stay up talking until all hours. It is sometimes amplified into all hours of the day and night. [c. 1930]

all in, be 1. Be tired out, exhausted, as in I can’t walk another step; I’m all in. [Slang; second half of 1800s] 2. In card games, especially poker, be out of money, as in I’m finished for the night; I’m all in. It refers to having put all of one’s money in the pot. In his historical dictionary of slang, J.E. Lighter suggests that the gambling usage, first recorded in 1907, may be the source of the first sense.

all in a day’s work Also, all in the day’s work. Expected and normal, as in He said I had to finish these reports by five o’clock—all in the day’s work. This phrase is sometimes used as an ironic comment on an unpleasant but not abnormal situation. The expression possibly alludes to the nautical term day’s work, defined in 1789 as the reckoning of a ship’s course during the 24 hours from noon to noon. [c. 1800]

all in all Taking everything into account, as in All in all our trip to Europe was a success. [First half of 1500s]

all in good time → See IN GOOD TIME.

all in one piece Also, in one piece. Entirely undamaged or unharmed, as in Given all the airport delays and bad weather, we were glad to arrive all in one piece, or She was relieved when he returned from Nepal in one piece. [Early 1800s]

all joking aside Also, all kidding aside. Seriously, as in I know I said I’d quit, but all joking aside this job is too much for one person, or All kidding aside, I hate to lose at croquet. This phrase often accompanies a joking statement.

all kinds of 1. Also, all manner or sorts of. All or many varieties of something, as in Before the banquet, they served all kinds of drinks, or He sold ­exotic fruit of all sorts, or The museum featured all manner of artifacts. [Early 1300s] 2. A large amount of something, as in She has all kinds of money. This hyperbolic usage is colloquial.

all of 1. The entire amount of something, as in The baby ate all of his cereal. This usage is relatively new, the word of being included only from about 1800 on. 2. No less than, at least, as in Although she looked much younger, she was all of seventy. [First half of 1800s]

all of a sudden Entirely without warning, abruptly, as in All of a sudden the lights went out. In Shakespeare’s day the common phrase was of a sudden, the word all being added in the late 1600s. Also see ALL AT ONCE, def. 2.

all of the above Also, none of the above. Each one (not any) of the above-named alternatives. For example, Have you decided to quit and announced your decision, or do you want to find another job first?—None of the above. These phrases originated as answers to a multiple-choice question on a test but are now also used colloquially, often as a form of avoiding a direct answer. They use above in the sense of preceding, a usage dating from the second half of the 1700s.

all one → See ALL THE SAME, def. 1.

all out With all one’s strength, ability, or resources; not holding back. For example, They are going all out to make the fund-raiser a success. This seemingly modern term dates from about 1300, when it meant completely or wholly. It now refers to making a great effort and is also used adjectivally, as in an all-out effort. This usage became current in America in the late 1800s, with reference to races and other kinds of athletic exertion. In the mid-1900s it gave rise to the phrase to go all out and was transferred to just about any energetic undertaking. Also see GO WHOLE HOG.

all outdoors, big as → See BIG AS LIFE, def. 2.

all over 1. Everywhere. The phrase may be used alone, as in I’ve looked all over for that book, or The very thought of poison ivy makes me itch all over. In addition it can be used as a preposition, meaning throughout, as in The news spread all over town. [Early 1600s] Also see FAR AND WIDE. 2. In all respects, as in He is his Aunt Mary all over. Charles Lamb had this usage in a letter (1799) about a poem: The last lines... are Burns all over. [Early 1700s] 3. Also, all over again. Again from the beginning. For example, They’re going to play the piece all over, or Do you mean you’re starting all over again? [Mid-1500s] 4. Also, all over with. Quite finished, completed, as in By the time I arrived the game was all over, or Now that she passed the test, her problems are all over with. This phrase uses over in the sense of finished, a usage dating from the 1300s. Also see ALL OVER BUT THE SHOUTING; HAVE IT (ALL OVER SOMEONE), def. 4.

all over but the shouting The outcome is a certainty, as in When Jim hit the ball over the fence, it was all over but the shouting. The term’s first use in print, in 1842, was by Welsh sportswriter Charles James Apperley, but some authorities believe it originated even earlier in the United States for a close political race. Today it is applied to any contest. A common British version is all over bar the shouting.

all over one In close physical contact. For example, Whenever I visit, that dog of Jane’s is all over me. [Early 1900s] Also see FALL ALL OVER ONESELF; HAVE IT ALL OVER SOMEONE.

all over the place Also, all over town or the world. → See under ALL OVER, def. 1.

all over with → See ALL OVER, def. 4; IT’S ALL OVER WITH.

allowance → See MAKE ALLOWANCE FOR.

allow for Leave room for, permit, as in We have enough chairs to allow for forty extra guests, or Our denomination allows for a large variety of beliefs. [Early 1700s] Also see MAKE ALLOWANCE FOR.

all present and accounted for All members or items of a group are here or their whereabouts are known, as in Is everyone ready to board the bus?—All present and accounted for. This expression almost certainly originated in the armed forces as a response to roll call. By proper logic, the and should be or. Nevertheless, the expression is used colloquially to offer assurance that no person or thing is missing.

all right 1. Completely correct, as in You have a perfect score—your answers are all right. (It could just as well be put as all your answers are right.) 2. In proper or working order, in a satisfactory way, as in The engine is running all right now. [Late 1800s] Also see TURN OUT ALL RIGHT. 3. In good health, as in John had the flu, but he’s all right now. [Early 1900s] 4. Not injured, safe, as in It was just a minor accident and everyone is all right. [Early 1900s] 5. Very well, yes, as in Do you want to leave now?—All right, or All right, we’ll stay home. [First half of 1800s] Also see ALL RIGHT WITH ONE. 6. Certainly, without a doubt, as in It’s late all right, but it will probably come today. [Mid-1800s] 7. Hurrah! Good for you, as in All right! your team has done it again! [Slang; mid-1900s] 8. Also, all-right. Good, satisfactory. For example, This restaurant is all-right, or Harry is an all-right guy. [Slang; mid-1900s]

all right for you I’m angry with you. This interjection usually accompanies a threat of revenge, as in All right for you—I won’t go out with you again. [Early 1900s]

all right with one Also, all right by one. Agreeable to someone. For example, If you want to practice now, that’s all right with me. Although all right alone has signified acquiescence much longer (see ALL RIGHT, def. 5), the addition of with someone (or, sometimes, by someone) dates from the mid-1900s.

all roads lead to Rome Many different methods will produce the same result. For example, So long as you meet the deadline, I don’t care how much help you get—all roads lead to Rome. Based on the fact that the Roman Empire’s excellent road system radiated from the capital like the spokes of a wheel, this metaphor was already being used in the 1100s.

all set Ready, in position for some action, as in I’m all set to leave the country. This colloquial term uses set in the sense of put in proper position or order. The same meaning appears in the traditional Ready, get set, go for starting a race; here set means in position to start.

all sewed up → See SEW UP.

all’s fair in love and war Any conduct is permissible in certain circumstances, as in Of course he called her—all’s fair in love and war. This maxim, stated in various forms from 1579 on, today sometimes appears altered by an addition or substitution, as in All’s fair in love and the World Series, or All’s fair in love and war and an election year.

all shook up Greatly disturbed or upset, as in His letter left her all shook up. This slangy idiom uses shook instead of the grammatically correct shaken (for agitated) and adds all for emphasis. [Second half of 1900s]

all sorts → See ALL KINDS OF.

all’s well that ends well Everything has turned out satisfactorily, even though the outcome has been uncertain. For example, His lawyer persuaded Jack to plead guilty, but the court merely put him on probation—all’s well that ends well. This proverb, dating from about 1250, gained even more currency as the title of a Shakespeare comedy.

all systems go Everything is ready for proceeding, as in They’ve rented a hall and lined up the speakers, so it’s all systems go for the rally. Originating in the late 1960s with reference to launching space missiles and vehicles, this expression has been transferred to general use.

all talk (and no action) Much discussion but no action or results, as in Don’t count on Mary’s help—she’s all talk, or Dave has been saying for months that he’ll get a summer job, but he’s all talk and no action. This idiom may have begun life as all talk and no cider, which Washington Irving cited as an American proverb in Salmagundi (1807). However, similar sayings antedate it by many years—for example, The greatest talkers are always the least doers (John Ray, English Proverbs, 1670).

all that 1. Too, very, usually employed in a negative context meaning not too, not very. For example, The new house is not all that different from your old one. [Mid-1900s] Also see NONE TOO. 2. That and everything else of the kind. For example, She enjoys wearing nice clothes and perfume and all that. [c. 1700] Also see AND ALL. 3. See FOR ALL (THAT).

all that glitters is not gold Something attractive is not always what it seems, as in This house is really beautiful, but a close look will show dry rot near the foundation—all that glitters is not gold. Aesop stated the same idea in two of his fables (c. 600 B.C.), and a version close to the current wording appeared in 1175.

all the 1. Even, more so, as in Painting the room white will make it all the lighter, or They liked her all the better for not pretending, or You don’t care for dessert? Good, all the more for us. Used to ­underscore a comparison, this idiom was used by Shakespeare in As You Like It (1:2): All the better; we shall be the more marketable. [Late 1500s] For a synonym, see SO MUCH THE. 2. The entire amount of, as in These cousins were all the family he had. In this usage all the is short for all of the. [Ninth century A.D.]

all the best 1. Also, all of the best. The entire number or amount of the highest quality of something, as in All of the best fruit was on display, or All the best students competed for the award.  2. Best wishes, as in I’ve got to go now—all the best to you and the family. This idiom, first recorded in 1937, is used as an oral farewell or to close an ­informal letter or note.

all the better → See ALL THE, def. 1.

all the rage Also, all the thing. The current or latest fashion, with the implication that it will be short-lived, as in In the 1940s the lindy-hop was all the rage. The use of rage reflects the transfer of an angry passion to an enthusiastic one; thing is vaguer. [Late 1700s] These terms are heard less ­often today than the synonym THE THING.

all there Having one’s wits about one, mentally competent, as in John may seem absent-minded, but believe me, he’s all there. This phrase is often used negatively, as not all there, for being without one’s full faculties. For example, I wonder about Justin; sometimes it seems as if he’s not all there. [Mid-1800s]

all the same 1. Also, all one. Equally acceptable, making no difference. For example, If it’s all the same to you I’d prefer the blue car, or Hot or cold, it’s all one to me. [Late 1700s] 2. Also, just the same. Nevertheless, still. For example, John wants to stay another week, but I’m going home all the same, or Even if you vote against it, this measure will pass just the same. [c. 1800]

all the thing → See ALL THE RAGE.

all the time 1. Also, all the while. Throughout a specific period, as in All the time the music was playing she tapped her foot, or The baby slept all the while the fire was being put out. [Late 1400s] 2. Continuously, without interruption, as in That old refrigerator is running all the time. 3. Frequently, repeatedly, as in He goes to that store all the time.

all the way 1. Also, the whole way. The entire distance, from start to finish, as in He ran all the way home, or The baby cried the whole way home. [Late 1700s] 2. Completely, as in I’m on your side all the way. [First half of 1900s] 3. See GO ALL THE WAY.

all the worse → See ALL THE, def. 1.

all things to all people, be Satisfy everyone completely, as in The trouble with the governor’s campaign is that she is trying to be all things to all people. This proverbial expression was long phrased be all things to all men, but today men is often replaced by people to avoid gender discrimination. The expression originated in Paul’s statement (I Corinthians 9:22): I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. Today it often appears in a political context, but phrased negatively, as in He wants to be a good school committee member, but he can’t be all things to all people.

all thumbs Physically awkward, especially with ­respect to the hands, as in When it comes to knitting, Mary is all thumbs. The notion of this idiom derives from a proverb in John Heywood’s collection of 1546: When he should get aught, each finger is a thumb.

all-time high The very best or largest amount on record. This term, first recorded in 1939, may refer to such diverse situations as the largest audience for a performance, the highest score for a team, and so on. The antonym, all-time low, means the very worst or smallest amount on record. For example, Housing prices are at an all-time high, or Attendance at college dances is at an all-time low.

all told Added up, in summation, as in The ferry will hold 80 passengers all told, or All told, his proposal makes some good points. This idiom, first recorded in 1850, uses the verb tell in the sense of count.

all to the good → See TO THE GOOD.

all up Defeated; also, near death. For example, The home team knew it was all up when their star quarter­back was injured, or The party lost their way over a week ago and in this sub-zero weather I’m sure it’s all up with them. This idiom uses up in the sense of finished. [Early 1700s] Also see ALL OVER, def. 4.

all very well All right or quite true as far as it goes. For example, It’s all very well for Jane to drop out, but how will we find enough women to make up a team? This idiom, first recorded in 1853, generally precedes a question beginning with but, as in the example. Also see WELL