all over: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘all over’ mean?
The idiom "all over" means to be present or involved in all parts or aspects of a situation, often to a great extent.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on the whole" means considering all aspects or generally speaking.
The idiom "in every sense of the word" means that something is true or accurate in every possible way or aspect. It emphasizes the completeness or thoroughness of a particular statement or description.
The idiom "here, there and everywhere" means to be present or found in many different places or situations, often with little focus or purpose.
The idiom "head to toe" means completely or fully, often referring to being covered or dressed from head to toe in something.
The idiom "go overboard" means to go to great or excessive lengths, often beyond what is necessary or reasonable. It implies an extreme or exaggerated action or behavior, often resulting from enthusiasm or excitement.
The idiom "go over" means to review or examine something thoroughly to ensure understanding or accuracy.
The idiom "go all the way" means to fully commit or complete a task or action without hesitation or reservation.
The idiom "go all out" means to put in maximum effort or to do something with full dedication and enthusiasm.
"Every which where" is an idiom used to emphasize that something or someone is located or moving in multiple directions or places. It conveys a sense of confusion, disorder, or chaos.
Every which where is an idiom that has its origins in the English language. It is primarily used in American English and is considered informal. The idiom combines the words "every" and "which" with the adverb "where" to create a unique meaning.
The idiom "everyone and their mother" is used to emphasize that a large number of people or things are involved in a situation. It often implies that the situation is crowded, overwhelming, or exaggerated.
Pervasive Mysteries
The idiom "all over" is a commonly used phrase in English with multiple meanings and interpretations.
One of the most common uses of "all over" is to describe the state of being in multiple places or locations. When someone is "all over the place," it signifies a lack of focus or scattered attention. This usage emphasizes disorganization or inconsistency. This can be seen in situations where someone is constantly changing their mind or jumping from one task to another. It's like they have a million things going on at once and can't stay focused on one thing.
Another meaning of "all over" is related to thoroughness or completeness. When someone does something "all over," it suggests that they have thoroughly covered a particular matter. This usage implies attention to detail and a comprehensive approach. For example, if someone is giving a presentation and they cover all the important points, we can say that they have covered it "all over." In this context, it means that everything has been addressed and nothing has been left out.
In a different context, the phrase can also be used to describe someone's emotional state. When a person is "all over someone," it suggests a strong attraction or infatuation. This usage signifies a deep interest or preoccupation with another person. It's like their thoughts and feelings are consumed by that person. For example, if someone is constantly talking about and thinking about their crush, we can say that they are "all over" that person.
Additionally, "all over" can be used to describe an intense physical reaction. For example, if someone is "all over the game," it means they are fully engaged and active in it. This usage emphasizes the person's high level of involvement or participation. It's like they are completely immersed in the activity and giving it their all. This can be seen in sports or competitive situations where someone is putting in a lot of effort and energy.
Now let's take a closer look at some related idioms that are derived from the phrase "all over." These idioms have slightly different meanings and contexts, but they are all connected to the general idea of being "all over."
The first related idiom is "all over the board." This phrase is used to describe something that is scattered or all over the place. It can be used in a literal sense, such as when objects are scattered around a room with no order or organization. It can also be used in a figurative sense, such as when someone's thoughts or ideas are all over the place and lack coherence. This idiom emphasizes a lack of focus or direction.
Another related idiom is "all over the map." This phrase is similar to "all over the board" and is used to describe something that is scattered or disorganized. It can be used in a literal sense, such as when objects or locations are scattered around without any clear pattern. It can also be used in a figurative sense, such as when someone's thoughts or actions are all over the place and lack coherence. This idiom emphasizes a lack of focus or consistency.
The next related idiom is "all over oneself." This phrase is used to describe someone who is excessively excited or enthusiastic about something. It can be used in a literal sense, such as when someone is so excited about a new opportunity or achievement that they can't contain their excitement and are "all over themselves." It can also be used in a figurative sense, such as when someone is overly enthusiastic about something and cannot stop talking or thinking about it. This idiom emphasizes a high level of excitement or enthusiasm.
Lastly, we have the idiom "all over with." This phrase is used to describe the completion or conclusion of something. It can be used in a literal sense, such as when an event or task is finished and someone says "it's all over with." It can also be used in a figurative sense, such as when a difficult or challenging period in someone's life comes to an end and they say "it's finally all over with." This idiom emphasizes the idea of closure and the end of something.
The idiom "all over" is a versatile expression with multiple meanings and interpretations. It can be used to describe a scattered state of mind, thoroughness, emotional attachment, or intense physical reaction. It has also given rise to several related idioms, such as "all over the board," "all over the map," "all over oneself," and "all over with," which have slightly different meanings but are all connected to the general idea of being "all over." These idioms add depth and nuance to the usage of "all over" in everyday speech.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "all over" can be used in a sentence:
- He spilled coffee all over his shirt.
- After winning the championship, the team celebrated by spraying champagne all over the locker room.
- The toddler got into the paint and smeared it all over the walls.
More "Location" idioms
