when all is said and done: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘when all is said and done’ mean?
The idiom "when all is said and done" means that after everything has been considered or taken into account, and all actions have been taken, the final result or outcome will become clear.
Idiom Explorer
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The idiom "say when" means to indicate when something is enough or satisfactory.
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The idiom "say it all" means to fully express or reveal everything, leaving nothing unsaid or unexplained.
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Unveiling the Essence
The idiom "when all is said and done" is widely recognized and used in the English language. It expresses the idea that after considering everything, particularly all the relevant facts or opinions, a final conclusion or result will be reached. The related idiom "in the final analysis" conveys a similar meaning, emphasizing that after thorough examination, the ultimate result or conclusion will be determined. Similarly, "at the end of the day" signifies the conclusion or outcome of a given situation or discussion.
The phrase "when all is said and done" is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century. While its exact origins are unknown, it emerged as a way to stress the importance of considering and evaluating all relevant information before reaching a final decision. Over time, this idiom gained popularity and became an integral part of the English language.
In terms of usage, "when all is said and done" is primarily employed in spoken and written language to provide a sense of closure or finality to a discussion or argument. It serves as a summary of a complex situation or series of events, highlighting that after taking into account all the facts, opinions, or actions, a definitive outcome or conclusion has been reached. This idiom indicates that further deliberation or evaluation is unnecessary.
Furthermore, "when all is said and done" is commonly used to convey the idea that despite considering numerous variables, challenges, or alternatives, the ultimate result or outcome remains unchanged. It implies a sense of inevitability or certainty in the face of complexity or uncertainty. This idiomatic expression reminds us that regardless of the intricacies, decisions, or paths pursued, the final outcome will not significantly deviate.
It is essential to note that the idiom "when all is said and done" can be used in both positive and negative contexts. In positive contexts, it can connote a sense of achievement or satisfaction, indicating that despite challenges, a successful outcome has been attained. On the other hand, in negative contexts, it can imply a sense of disappointment or resignation, suggesting that despite efforts or considerations, the desired outcome has not been achieved.
The related idiom "in the final analysis" also emphasizes the importance of reaching a definitive conclusion after considering all relevant information. It is often used in discussions or arguments to underscore that after careful examination or evaluation, the ultimate result or conclusion will be determined. Similarly, the idiom "at the end of the day" signifies the conclusion or outcome of a given situation or discussion. Both idioms align with the concept of when all is said and done, emphasizing the necessity of evaluating all relevant factors to reach a final conclusion.
The idiom "when all is said and done" is a valuable expression in the English language. Its origins date back to the 19th century, and it has since become a commonly used phrase to emphasize the importance of considering and evaluating all relevant information before reaching a final conclusion. This idiom signifies closure, inevitability, and a sense of finality, reminding us that after all deliberation, the ultimate outcome remains unchanged. By understanding the nuances and implications of this idiom and its related idioms, such as "in the final analysis" and "at the end of the day," we gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and versatility of the English language.
Example usage
Examples:
- When all is said and done, she realized that the job wasn't worth the stress.
- They argued for hours, but when all is said and done, they still loved each other.
- We can debate the pros and cons, but when all is said and done, it's up to the voters to decide.
Analysis:
The idiom "when all is said and done" is used to express a final or ultimate conclusion after considering all the relevant factors or arguments. It typically signifies that after a thorough discussion or evaluation of a situation, the true or ultimate outcome is revealed or acknowledged.
In the first example, the phrase is used to suggest that after considering the stress and difficulties, the person realizes that the job is not worth it in the end.
The second example demonstrates that despite arguments or conflicts, love prevails as the ultimate truth when everything else is taken into account.
Similarly, in the third example, the idiom emphasizes that regardless of the ongoing debate, the final decision rests with the voters and their perspective.
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