PhrasesHub

Every nook and cranny

    Definitions

      • to thoroughly search or explore a place or area
        To indicate that every part or corner of a location has been thoroughly examined or investigated for something or someone

      • to be very widespread or abundant
        To describe something or someone that is present or found in a lot of different places or situations

      • to be very detailed or comprehensive
        To convey that something has been examined or described in great detail, leaving no aspect or aspect unaddressed

    Examples of Every nook and cranny

    • The detective searched the room from every nook and cranny, making sure that no evidence was left behind.

      This idiom means to search every hidden or difficult-to-reach place in a room or area. It is often used in situations where something important needs to be found or evidence needs to be gathered.

    • The cleaner dusted every nook and cranny of the antique clock, making sure that it was in pristine condition.

      This idiom can also be used in situations where something needs to be cleaned or maintained thoroughly. It highlights the importance of paying attention to every small detail, even in difficult-to-reach places.

    • The artist painted every nook and cranny of the wall, creating a stunning mural that covered the entire space.

      This idiom can also be used in creative contexts, such as painting or decorating. It emphasizes the thoroughness and attention to detail required to create a complete and cohesive work of art.

    • The cook seasoned every nook and cranny of the pan, making sure that the flavors were evenly distributed.

      This idiom can also be used in cooking or food preparation, where it highlights the importance of seasoning every part of a dish to ensure that the flavors are balanced and evenly distributed.

    • The gardener tended to every nook and cranny of the garden, making sure that every plant was healthy and thriving.

      This idiom can also be used in gardening or landscaping, where it emphasizes the importance of paying attention to every small detail, even in hidden or difficult-to-reach places, to create a beautiful and thriving garden.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "every nook and cranny" is commonly used in a figurative sense to describe the thoroughness of a search or exploration. It can also be used to convey the widespread or abundant presence of something or someone, as well as the detailed and comprehensive examination of a topic or situation. This idiom is often used in a positive context to emphasize the extent to which something has been thoroughly examined or explored.

    Origin of "Every nook and cranny"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the 14th century, where the words "nook" and "cranny" were used separately to refer to small, hidden or remote places. The word "nook" comes from the Old English word "cnuc" meaning "corner" and the word "cranny" comes from the Middle English word "cran" meaning "notch" or "crack." The two words were first used together in the 16th century, and it is believed that the first known use of the phrase "every nook and cranny" was in Shakespeare's play "The Merry Wives of Windsor."

    Over time, the idiom has evolved to take on a more figurative meaning, emphasizing the thoroughness or completeness of something. It is now commonly used in everyday language to describe a thorough search or exploration, and to convey the idea of something being present or described in great detail.

    In conclusion, the idiom "every nook and cranny" has its roots in Old English and has evolved over time to convey different meanings. It is a versatile idiom that is commonly used in both spoken and written English to emphasize the thoroughness or completeness of something.