PhrasesHub

All intents and purposes

    Definitions

      • Almost, nearly, just about
        To indicate that something or someone has almost reached a certain state or condition, but there may be small differences or exceptions

      • In practical terms, for all practical purposes
        To emphasize that something is essentially the same or has the same effect, despite minor differences or limitations

    Examples of All intents and purposes

    • After the car accident, John's condition was serious, but all intents and purposes, he was expected to make a full recovery.

      This idiom is used to indicate that something is almost certain or highly likely to happen. In this example, "all intents and purposes" means that John's recovery was almost certain, despite the seriousness of his condition after the car accident. It suggests that there are no doubts or uncertainties about the outcome.BITE THE BULLET

    • The surgery was going to be painful, but Emily knew she had to bite the bullet and get it over with.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone has to endure something unpleasant or difficult. In this example, "bite the bullet" means that Emily had to face the pain of the surgery, even though it was going to be difficult. It suggests that she had to be brave and tough in order to get through the experience.LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG

    • The team had been working on a secret project for months, but Sarah accidentally let the cat out of the bag and revealed the details to a competitor.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where a secret or surprise is accidentally revealed. In this example, "let the cat out of the bag" means that Sarah accidentally revealed the details of the secret project to a competitor. It suggests that the surprise or secret was now out in the open and could no longer be kept hidden.PUT ALL YOUR EGGS IN ONE BASKET

    • Jane decided to put all her eggs in one basket and invest all her savings in a single stock.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is taking a big risk by focusing all their resources or efforts on a single outcome. In this example, "put all your eggs in one basket" means that Jane invested all her savings in a single stock. It suggests that she was taking a big risk, as all her resources were now tied up in this one investment.CALL IT A DAY

    • After working for 12 hours straight, the team finally called it a day and headed home.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone decides to stop working or doing something for the day. In this example, "call it a day" means that the team decided to stop working and go home after working for 12 hours straight. It suggests that they were tired and ready to rest for the night.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "all intents and purposes" is used to convey the idea that something or someone is very close to achieving a certain goal or state, but there may be some minor differences or exceptions. It is often used in situations where there is a near-complete accomplishment, but not quite fully achieved.

    In other words, the phrase can be used to emphasize that something is essentially the same or has the same effect, despite minor differences or limitations. It is often used to simplify a complex situation or to summarize a situation in a succinct manner.

    Origin of "All intents and purposes"

    The origin of the idiom "all intents and purposes" can be traced back to the 16th century when it was first used in the phrase "to all intents, constructions, and purposes." This phrase was used in legal documents to convey the idea that something was being done with a specific purpose or intention.

    Over time, the phrase was shortened to "all intents and purposes" and began to be used in everyday language to indicate that something was being done with a specific intention or goal in mind.

    Some sources also suggest that the idiom may have originated from the legal phrase "to all intents, constructions, and purposes of the law," which was used to indicate that something was being done in accordance with the law and its intentions.

    Overall, the idiom "all intents and purposes" has evolved over time to become a commonly used phrase to express the idea of something being almost or nearly complete, with minor differences or exceptions. Its origin can be traced back to legal language, but it has since become a versatile phrase used in everyday language.