All in All Idiom: Check Meaning, Synonyms & Quiz

The English language is rich with expressions that help us communicate complex ideas easily, and “all in all” is one such powerful idiom that has stood the test of time. Whether you’re a native English speaker or learning the language, understanding this phrase can significantly enhance your communication skills. Read this article on “all in all idiom” to learn more about its meaning, origin, and examples. We have also included a quiz for you to practice.

All in All Idiom: Meaning, Origin & Examples

“All in all” is an idiomatic expression that means “everything being considered” or “taking everything into account.” It’s typically used when someone wants to make an overall assessment or give a conclusion after considering various aspects of a situation. The phrase is often used to sum up different points or experiences, both positive and negative, before stating a final opinion or conclusion. It helps speakers transition from specific details to a general evaluation.

The origin of “all in all” dates back to the 16th century, with its first recorded use appearing in written English around 1530. The phrase likely evolved from the practice of considering multiple aspects of something before making a final judgment. Interestingly, the expression appears in William Shakespeare’s works, including “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” where he writes: “All in all, and all in every part” – suggesting completeness and totality. 

Throughout history, “all in all” has maintained its core meaning while being adapted to various contexts:

• Medieval Period: Often used in religious contexts to describe God as being “all in all”
• Renaissance: Expanded to general use in literature and daily speech
• Modern Era: Commonly used in both formal and informal settings

All in All Idiom Example Sentences

To better understand how this idiom is used in various contexts, here are some examples :

• “All in all, the quarterly results exceeded our expectations, despite some setbacks in March.”
• “The project had its challenges, but all in all, we delivered it within the deadline.”
• “All in all, the new office layout has improved team collaboration significantly.”
• “The conference had some technical issues, but all in all, it was a successful event.”

Synonyms of All in All Idiom

When looking for alternative ways to express the same meaning, here are several synonyms and similar phrases that can be used in place of “all in all”:

Synonym	Meaning
Overall	Summing up all aspects or considering everything as a whole.
Generally speaking	Broadly or typically, without going into specifics.
On the whole	Looking at the general picture or overall view.
By and large	For the most part, taking most factors into account.
In general	Considering the general situation or common trends.
Taking everything into account	Including all relevant factors in the consideration.
All things considered	Judging all aspects and factors involved.
In the final analysis	After examining everything in detail, reaching a conclusion.
When all is said and done	When everything has been discussed or considered.
Looking at the big picture	Focusing on the overall situation rather than specific details.
To summarize	Giving a brief overview of all points discussed.
In summation	Wrapping up or concluding the main points.
At the end of the day	Ultimately, after considering all factors.
Bottom line	The final or most important point after all is considered.
Long story short	In brief, providing a condensed summary.

All in All Idiom Practice Quiz

What does the idiom “all in all” mean?

a) Everything considered

b) Nothing at all

c) Above everything else

d) Only in certain situations

Answer: a) Everything considered

Which sentence uses “all in all” correctly?

a) “He got everything all in all.”

b) “All in all, it was a productive day.”

c) “We found it all in all the rooms.”

d) “All in all your choices.”

Answer: b) “All in all, it was a productive day.”

Identify the correct synonym for “all in all”:

a) Alone

b) Entirely

c) On the whole

d) None of the above

Answer: c) On the whole

Which of these sentences implies a summary?

a) “All in all, we achieved our goals.”

b) “It was a hard journey.”

c) “In the middle of it all, we persevered.”

d) “It was unexpected, after all.”

Answer: a) “All in all, we achieved our goals.”

Which of the following best illustrates “all in all”?

a) “He was tired after all that work.”

b) “All in all, the experience was rewarding.”

c) “He’s all in, committed to his task.”

d) “It happened, all in all, to him.”

Answer: b) “All in all, the experience was rewarding.”

Choose the scenario that reflects “all in all”:

a) A report giving a final analysis

b) An intense conversation

c) An unplanned situation

d) A new strategy being tested

Answer: a) A report giving a final analysis

Complete the sentence: “______, the trip was a success.”

a) All or nothing

b) All of a sudden

c) All in all

d) Not at all

Answer: c) All in all

How does “all in all” function in a sentence?

a) To introduce an example

b) To conclude with a summary

c) To make a comparison

d) To emphasize an opinion

Answer: b) To conclude with a summary

In which context does “all in all” fit best?

a) After analyzing a report

b) At the start of a presentation

c) During an argument

d) While making a suggestion

Answer: a) After analyzing a report

The idiom “all in all” is mostly used for:

a) Emphasizing excitement

b) Giving a final opinion

c) Asking questions

d) Giving examples

Answer: b) Giving a final opinion

Choose the sentence that conveys the overall evaluation of a situation:

a) “He’s been working all day long.”

b) “All in all, the meeting was informative.”

c) “It’s almost over.”

d) “This is the first of its kind.”

Answer: b) “All in all, the meeting was informative.”

“All in all” can best replace which phrase in this sentence? “____, the results were satisfying.”

a) In every way

b) By all accounts

c) Altogether

d) After all

Answer: c) Altogether

Where would “all in all” fit best in a paragraph?

a) At the beginning as an introduction

b) In the middle to add detail

c) At the end to summarize

d) As a topic sentence

Answer: c) At the end to summarize

Complete the sentence: “All in all, she was _____ with her performance.”

a) unsatisfied

b) annoyed

c) pleased

d) uncertain

Answer: c) pleased

Which word can replace “all in all” without changing the meaning?

a) Ultimately

b) Never

c) Sometimes

d) Always

Answer: a) Ultimately

Which phrase has a similar meaning to “all in all”?

a) Sooner or later

b) Considering everything

c) Piece by piece

d) Little by little

Answer: b) Considering everything

What is a synonym for “all in all” in the phrase “All in all, the movie was decent”?

a) However

b) In conclusion

c) On the whole

d) Thus

Answer: c) On the whole

Which of these phrases doesn’t relate to the meaning of “all in all”?

a) In total

b) In summary

c) For the most part

d) Suddenly

Answer: d) Suddenly

Which sentence uses “all in all” incorrectly?

a) “All in all, it was a great trip.”

b) “She managed it all in all.”

c) “All in all, things worked out well.”

d) “All in all, he felt relieved.”

Answer: b) “She managed it all in all.”

What is a key purpose of using “all in all” in speech?

a) To share a detailed explanation

b) To summarize a viewpoint

c) To introduce a new topic

d) To describe in detail

Answer: b) To summarize a viewpoint

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