soup-to-nuts: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘soup-to-nuts’ mean?
The idiom "soup-to-nuts" means from beginning to end or including everything.
Idiom Explorer
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Decoding the Idiom
The idiom *soup-to-nuts* is a popular phrase in American English that describes something comprehensive, including all details or aspects from beginning to end. This phrase is often used in the business world, but it can also be applied in various other contexts.
The exact origin of the idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. It may have its roots in the practice of serving a multi-course meal, where soup is served as the first course and nuts are served as the last. This idea of encompassing everything from start to finish may have influenced the use of the idiom to describe a complete or all-inclusive package.
Over time, the idiom *soup-to-nuts* has become widely used in American English, particularly in business and project management settings. It is used to emphasize the thoroughness or comprehensiveness of a particular endeavor. For example, if someone is describing a project that involved thorough planning, execution, and evaluation, they might say that they handled the project *soup-to-nuts*.
Additionally, the idiom *soup-to-nuts* can also be used in a literal sense, referring to the entire process of preparing and serving a meal. This includes the initial preparation of ingredients all the way through to the final presentation of the dish. In this context, it emphasizes the entirety of the culinary process.
It is important to note that the idiom *soup-to-nuts* is primarily used in American English and may not be as commonly recognized in other English-speaking countries. However, it has gained some recognition in other parts of the world due to globalization and the widespread influence of American media and culture.
In addition to the idiom *soup-to-nuts*, there are two related idioms that convey a similar meaning of comprehensive inclusion: *from soup to nuts* and *from A to Z*.
The idiom *from soup to nuts* is an extension of the original *soup-to-nuts* phrase. It is used in American English to describe something that includes everything from the beginning to the end. Just like *soup-to-nuts*, it emphasizes the idea of comprehensiveness or all-inclusiveness. For example, if someone is describing a project that involved planning, execution, and evaluation at every stage, they might say that they handled the project *from soup to nuts*.
Similarly, the idiom *from A to Z* is used to describe something that encompasses or includes everything from the first step to the last. It is often used in business contexts to emphasize thoroughness or completeness. For instance, if someone is describing a process that involves steps from beginning to end, they might say that they are familiar with the process *from A to Z*.
The idiom *soup-to-nuts* is a widely used phrase in American English that conveys the idea of comprehensiveness or inclusion of all details or aspects. Its origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have roots in the culinary practice of serving soup as the first course and nuts as the last. While primarily used in business and project management settings, the idiom can also be applied in other contexts. Its usage has become more widespread due to globalization and the influence of American culture. Additionally, the idioms *from soup to nuts* and *from A to Z* serve a similar purpose of describing comprehensive inclusion.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "soup-to-nuts" can be used in a sentence:
- We hired a wedding planner who took care of everything, from the decorations to the catering - it was a soup-to-nuts service.
- The company offers a soup-to-nuts solution for businesses, including marketing, sales, and customer support.
- My sister and I spent the entire day cleaning the house, doing everything from dusting the furniture to scrubbing the floors - it was a soup-to-nuts cleaning session.
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