PhrasesHub

All and sundry

    Definitions

      • everyone, all people
        Referring to a large and diverse group of individuals, emphasizing the inclusion of every single person, regardless of their status or background

      • everything, all things
        Referring to a wide variety of items or topics, highlighting the inclusivity of all possible options or choices

    Examples of All and sundry

    • The company invited all and sundry to the annual general meeting.

      'All and sundry' is a figurative expression used to mean 'everyone' or 'all kinds of people'. In this example, the company invited all kinds of people, including employees, shareholders, customers, and the general public, to attend the annual general meeting.

    • The café was packed with all and sundry during the weekend.

      'All and sundry' is used here to mean 'a large number of people' or 'many people'. The café was crowded with different kinds of people, such as families, couples, and groups of friends, during the weekend.

    • The speaker addressed all and sundry at the conference.

      'All and sundry' is used here to mean 'all the attendees' or 'everyone present'. The speaker delivered a speech to all the participants at the conference.

    • The charity organization collected donations from all and sundry.

      'All and sundry' is used here to mean 'all kinds of people' or 'people from all walks of life'. The charity organization received contributions from various individuals, including wealthy businessmen, poor families, and students.

    • The store offered discounts to all and sundry during the sale.

      'All and sundry' is used here to mean 'all customers' or 'everyone who shops at the store'. The store provided price reductions to all its clients during the sale.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "all and sundry" is used to refer to a wide and diverse group of individuals or a vast range of items or topics. It emphasizes the idea of inclusivity and the inclusion of all possible options or choices.

    Origin of "All and sundry"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to medieval times, where the words "all" and "sundry" were commonly used in legal and religious contexts. The phrase was used in legal documents to refer to all the people involved in a particular case, regardless of their social status or background. In the religious context, it was used to refer to all the people who attended a church service or ceremony.

    Over time, the phrase evolved and became more commonly used in everyday language. It is believed that the idiom gained popularity in the 16th century when English playwright William Shakespeare used it in his play "The Merry Wives of Windsor". Since then, it has been frequently used in literature, speeches, and everyday conversations.

    Today, the idiom "all and sundry" is used in a variety of contexts, including informal conversations, formal speeches, and written works. It is a versatile phrase that can be used to refer to a large group of people or a wide range of things, making it a useful expression in many situations.