all one’s life’s worth: Idiom Meaning and Origin

What does ‘all one's life's worth’ mean?

The idiom all one's life's worth refers to the value or worth of a person's entire life, including everything they have experienced and achieved. It emphasizes the deep significance and impact of a person's existence.

Idiom Explorer

The Eternal Pursuit

The idiom "all one's life's worth" is a commonly used phrase in English. It signifies the complete measure of an individual's existence or the total value attributed to one's life. In the United States, this idiom resonates with the cultural emphasis on personal achievement, self-fulfillment, and the pursuit of happiness. It encapsulates the idea that an individual's life should be lived to its fullest potential, highlighting the magnitude of experiences, accomplishments, and contributions made throughout their lifetime.

The origin of the precise phrase "all one's life's worth" cannot be definitively traced, but it is derived from broader linguistic and cultural contexts. The inclusion of possessive pronouns reflects the personal connection to one's life, emphasizing a sense of ownership and individuality. Additionally, the use of the word "all" emphasizes the significance or importance placed on one's life. The idiom aligns with the theme of evaluating or assessing the entirety of an individual's lifetime.

Contemplating the meaning of "all one's life's worth" prompts introspection and invites thought on the complexities of assessing a person's life. It encourages individuals to consider the various dimensions that contribute to the value of their existence, including relationships, accomplishments, personal growth, and societal impact. The subjective nature of evaluating a life sparks philosophical musings on the purpose and significance of human existence.

Is life worth all this pain and suffering?

Related to the idiom "all one's life's worth" are other idiomatic expressions such as "for all one is worth," "in all one's born days," and "for one's life." These expressions convey a similar notion of evaluating the entirety of one's life. The idiomatic phrase "for all one is worth" emphasizes the idea of exerting maximum effort or giving one's best in a particular situation. It suggests that an individual should strive to make the most of their life and utilize their abilities and potential to the fullest extent.

The idiom "in all one's born days" conveys the idea of reflecting on one's entire life up until the present moment. It signifies the entirety of an individual's existence and implies a profound sense of self-awareness and personal reflection. This expression highlights the significance of considering one's life in its entirety, acknowledging the experiences and growth that have occurred throughout one's lifetime.

Furthermore, the idiom "for one's life" emphasizes the importance of valuing and cherishing one's own life. It suggests that an individual should strive to appreciate and make the most of their existence. This expression underscores the idea that life is a precious gift to be treasured, and it encourages individuals to live with purpose and intention.

The idiomatic expressions "for all one is worth," "in all one's born days," and "for one's life" are interconnected with the idiom "all one's life's worth" in that they all convey a similar concept of evaluating the entirety and value of an individual's existence. These expressions prompt introspection, reflection, and contemplation on the significance of one's life and the depth of personal experiences. They encourage individuals to strive for personal growth, self-fulfillment, and the realization of their full potential.

The idiom "all one's life's worth" and its related expressions carry significant weight in conversations and narratives surrounding personal achievements, endeavors, and legacies. They underscore the cultural values of personal fulfillment, self-actualization, and the pursuit of a meaningful life. These idioms serve as reminders to live with purpose and intention, to appreciate the value of individual experiences, and to make the most of the time given to each person.

Example usage

Examples of how the idiom *all one's life's worth* can be used in a sentence:

  1. She worked hard all her life's worth to save up enough money for retirement.
  2. He dedicated all his life's worth to pursuing his passion for art.
  3. They sacrificed their life's worth to provide a better future for their children.

The idiom "all one's life's worth" is often used to emphasize the extent of someone's efforts or dedication throughout their entire lifetime.

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