what not: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘what not’ mean?
The idiom "what not" is used to refer to any other unspecified items, things, or activities that are related to or included in a particular category or topic.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "what's what" means to understand or know the important or essential information about a subject or situation.
The idiom "what is more" is used to introduce an additional and often more important point or piece of information in a conversation or argument.
The idiom *unknown quantity* refers to someone or something that is not well known or understood, making it difficult to predict their actions or outcomes.
The idiom "thus and such" is used to refer to an unspecified or indeterminate group of things or events. It is often used to suggest that the speaker cannot remember or does not wish to go into specific details about them.
An idiom widely used to refer to something insignificant or unimportant. It implies that the mentioned object or amount is of little value or significance.
The idiom "other than" is used to indicate an exception or exclusion, suggesting that something or someone is different from or does not fall into a particular category or condition.
The idiom "or something" is used to suggest an uncertainty or vagueness. It implies that there may be additional information or options available, but the speaker is unsure or does not want to specify them.
The idiom "one of those things" refers to a situation or event that is out of one's control, often unexpected or difficult to explain or understand.
The idiom "one of those things" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is often employed in discussions about events, situations, or circumstances that are difficult to explain or understand. While there are variations of this idiom, the core meaning remains consistent.
The idiom "odds and ends" refers to various small, miscellaneous things that do not belong to a specific category and are often considered unimportant or insignificant.
The idiom "not to mention" is used to introduce an additional point or example that strengthens a previous statement. It implies that the point being added is so obvious or well-known that it doesn't need to be explicitly stated.
Unveiling Unseen Significance
What not is an idiomatic phrase that has been used in the English language for many centuries. It is commonly used in both spoken and written English and has a flexible nature that allows it to be used in various contexts.
One interesting fact about the idiom what not is that it indicates the existence of other unspecified things related to the subject being discussed. It suggests that there are additional examples, options, or items that could be included in the discussion but are not specifically mentioned. For example, if someone says, "I need to buy groceries like bread, milk, and what not," they are implying that there are other items they need that they haven't listed.
Another fascinating aspect of what not is its ability to express a sense of inclusiveness and comprehensiveness. By using this idiom, speakers and writers can convey the idea that they are referring to all possible things related to the topic at hand, without explicitly listing them. It adds a layer of completeness to the statement, leaving room for interpretation and imagination.
The origin of the idiom what not is uncertain. While there is limited information available about its etymology, what is known is that the phrase has been in use since at least the 17th century. It appears in various forms of written English from that time period, and its usage has continued to evolve over the years.
An interesting variation of the idiom what not is the compound phrase "and what not," which is commonly used to indicate the existence of other unspecified things in addition to those already mentioned. This compound form adds emphasis to the idea of inclusiveness and further expands the range of possibilities. For example, if someone says, "I went to the store and bought groceries, clothes, and what not," they are implying that they purchased other items as well, without specifying what those items are.
What not, in its various forms, is a versatile idiom that suggests the presence of other unspecified things related to a particular topic. Its origins may be uncertain, but it has been in use for centuries and has evolved to include compound forms such as "and what not." While the idiom provides a sense of completeness and inclusiveness, it also leaves room for imagination and the possibility of additional items or options. The use of what not allows speakers and writers to convey the idea that there is more to be considered beyond what is explicitly stated, leaving space for further exploration and discovery.
The idiom "and such" is related to the phrase "what not" as both expressions serve to suggest the presence of additional or similar things. "And such" is commonly used at the end of a list to indicate that there are other similar things that can be included without explicitly naming them. This idiomatic expression adds a sense of inclusiveness and allows for a broader interpretation of the preceding list.
An example of the use of "and such" would be if someone says, "I love going to the beach, swimming, sunbathing, and such." In this case, "and such" implies that there are other similar activities that the person enjoys but hasn't mentioned explicitly.
The idiomatic expression "and such" enhances the comprehensiveness and inclusiveness of the statement, similar to how "what not" does. It adds a layer of versatility and leaves room for imagination, allowing the listener or reader to fill in the gaps and envision the additional or similar things that are being referred to.
Both "what not" and "and such" are idiomatic phrases that serve to indicate the presence of other unspecified things related to a particular topic. They add a sense of completeness, inclusiveness, and versatility to a statement, leaving room for interpretation and imagination. While "what not" implies the existence of additional examples, options, or items beyond those specified, "and such" suggests the presence of other similar things without explicitly naming them. Both expressions allow speakers and writers to convey the idea that there is more to be considered and explored, enhancing the richness of communication and fostering further discovery.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "what not" can be used in a sentence are:
- I need to go to the store and buy some groceries, cleaning supplies, and what not.
- He spends his weekends doing various activities like hiking, playing sports, and what not.
- She always fills her desk with pens, sticky notes, and what not to stay organized.
"What not" is used in these sentences to refer to unspecified or additional things or items that are similar or related to the ones already mentioned.
More "Grammar" idioms
