whole enchilada
Food & drink · Filed under W
In a sentence
- After working hard for years, she finally got the promotion and now she is in charge of the whole enchilada.
- We managed to win the game and secure the championship. It was a tough match, but we gave it our all and came out with the whole enchilada.
- The company went bankrupt and had to close its doors. They lost the whole enchilada, including their assets and employees.
Where it comes from and how it is used
The idiom "whole enchilada" is a popular American expression with its roots in Mexican cuisine. The term "enchilada" refers to a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a rolled tortilla filled with various ingredients, such as meat, cheese, and sauce. This idiom is used metaphorically to describe a situation or thing that includes or encompasses everything, leaving no part incomplete or missing.
One of the related idioms is the "whole shebang," which means the entirety of something. It is often used to emphasize the completeness of a situation or event. Similarly, the idiom "whole shooting match" is another way to express the entirety of something. It originated from the world of shooting matches or competitions, where the phrase was used to refer to the entire event. These idioms can be used interchangeably with "whole enchilada" to convey the idea of completeness.
Neighbouring idioms
Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.