PhrasesHub

(The whole) kit and caboodle

    Definitions

      • entirety of something
        Refers to the entire collection or group of things, often used to emphasize that nothing is left out

      • everything included
        Indicates that all the parts or elements of something are included, leaving nothing out

    Examples of (The whole) kit and caboodle

    • When the boss announced that the company would be going through a major restructuring, he warned the employees that everything, from the boardroom furniture to the office supplies, would be a part of (the whole) kit and caboodle.

      Here, (the whole) kit and caboodle is used to describe the complete set of items that will be affected by the restructuring process. This expression conveys that everything, from the most important to the seemingly trivial, will be included in the restructuring. It is an idiom that emphasizes the comprehensiveness and totality of the activity being referred to.

    • After surviving a hurricane that left the entire town in ruins, the mayor vowed to rebuild (the whole) kit and caboodle.

      Here, (the whole) kit and caboodle is being used to indicate that the mayor intends to restore everything that was destroyed by the hurricane. This expression implies that the effort to rebuild will be done completely, without leaving any gaps or omissions.

    • During a sales presentation, the product demonstrator proudly claimed that their latest model came with (the whole) kit and caboodle.

      This usage of (the whole) kit and caboodle represents that the new product being showcased will come with all the necessary components and accessories, making it complete and functional right out of the box.

    • In a comedic sketch, a character was trying to explain to another person how to boil potatoes. As a part of the instructions, he said, "Okay, bring the water to a rolling boil, add the potatoes, and (the whole) kit and caboodle."

      Here, (the whole) kit and caboodle is being used in a humorous and exaggerated way to suggest that the character's explanation involves unnecessary and redundant details that add no value to the task at hand. It is an example of how versatile this expression can be, as it can be employed in various situations to convey different meanings.

    • After the office renovation, we sold the old furniture, but we still have the entire kit and caboodle of equipment in storage for future use.

      In this example, the phrase "kit and caboodle" refers to the entire collection or set of equipment, including all its components and accessories. It is used as a replacement for the phrase "whole thing" or "entirety". In this context, the idiom highlights that we still possess the complete equipment set acquired for the previous office.

    • I moved to a new city, and although I sold off my old belongings, I still have the entire kit and caboodle of memorable experiences that keep me connected to my previous location.

      Here, the phrase "kit and caboodle" represents the collection of nostalgic incidents that the speaker holds dear despite having relocated. This idiom serves as a substitute for the phrase "entire collection" or "whole lot".

    • As soon as I get my hands on the new software, I'll provide you with the entire kit and caboodle of technical specifications and user manuals.

      In this example, the phrase "kit and caboodle" signifies the complete set of technical specifications and user manuals for the software. It is a substitute for the phrase "complete set" or "entire package".

    • My sister went on a shopping spree and bought the kit and caboodle of cosmetics from that brand.

      This example uses the idiom to replace the word "entire range" or "whole collection" of cosmetic items that the sister bought from that specific brand.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "kit and caboodle" is used to refer to the entirety of something or to indicate that everything is included. It is often used to emphasize that nothing has been left out and that the entire collection or group of things is being referenced.

    Origin of "(The whole) kit and caboodle"

    The origin of the phrase "kit and caboodle" is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century. The word "kit" originally referred to a collection of items or tools used for a specific purpose, while "caboodle" was used to describe a group or collection of people or things.

    The combination of "kit and caboodle" likely emerged as a way to emphasize the inclusiveness of a collection or group of items, highlighting that everything is included. Over time, the phrase has become a common idiom in English to convey the idea of completeness or entirety. While the exact origin may be unclear, the idiom's usage has remained consistent in conveying the idea of including everything.