Everything but the kitchen sink

Definitions

• Exaggeration
  To express that something includes a large amount or variety of things, often used with a humorous tone

• Completeness
  To emphasize that everything possible has been included in a situation or action, leaving nothing out

Examples of Everything but the kitchen sink

• In order to prepare for the big party, Sarah went out and bought everything but the kitchen sink. She stocked up on decorations, food, and drinks, making sure she had all the necessary items to make the event a success.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone has gathered an excessive amount of things, as if they have brought everything except for the kitchen sink. It is often used to indicate that someone has gone overboard or is being overly extravagant. In this example, Sarah has purchased a wide variety of items to prepare for the party, leaving no stone unturned in her efforts to make it a success.

• The carpenter worked tirelessly, adding every possible feature to the house, right down to the kitchen sink.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone has included every possible detail or feature in a project or task, leaving no stone unturned. It is often used to indicate that someone has gone above and beyond what is necessary or expected. In this example, the carpenter has gone to great lengths to ensure that the house is fully equipped, right down to the kitchen sink.

• The artist created a masterpiece, adding every brushstroke with precision, right down to the kitchen sink.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone has paid close attention to every detail of a project or task, leaving no stone unturned. It is often used to indicate that someone has gone to great lengths to ensure that the final product is of the highest possible quality. In this example, the artist has devoted a tremendous amount of time and effort to creating a masterpiece, paying close attention to every brushstroke and detail, right down to the kitchen sink.

• The salesperson was relentless in his pursuit of the sale, throwing in every possible incentive, right down to the kitchen sink.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is being overly persuasive or aggressive in their efforts to sell a product or service. It is often used to indicate that someone is going to great lengths to close the sale, even if it means throwing in extra incentives or features. In this example, the salesperson is being extremely persistent in his efforts to make the sale, offering a wide variety of incentives and features, right down to the kitchen sink.

• The chef prepared a feast, adding every possible ingredient, right down to the kitchen sink.

  This idiom is used to describe a situation where someone has prepared a meal or dish using an excessive number of ingredients. It is often used to indicate that someone has gone to great lengths to create a truly elaborate and impressive dish. In this example, the chef has prepared a feast, using a wide variety of ingredients, right down to the kitchen sink.

Conclusion

The idiom "everything but the kitchen sink" is often used to convey an exaggerated amount or completeness. It is typically used in a lighthearted or humorous manner to express that something includes a wide variety of things or has been done to the fullest extent possible.

In the first meaning, "everything but the kitchen sink" is used to indicate that a large or diverse range of items or elements are included. For example, someone might say "I packed everything but the kitchen sink for my trip" to convey that they have packed a substantial amount of items.

In the second meaning, the idiom is used to emphasize that every possible thing has been included or considered. For instance, someone might say "He prepared for his presentation by researching everything but the kitchen sink" to show that he thoroughly researched all relevant information.

Origin of "Everything but the kitchen sink"

The origin of this idiom is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 1900s in the United States. It is thought to have originated in the context of moving or packing, as the kitchen sink is often one of the last items to be removed from a home when moving.

One theory suggests that the phrase may have originated in World War II, when soldiers would often say "I carried everything but the kitchen sink in my pack" to convey that they were carrying a heavy load of supplies. Another theory suggests it may have originated in advertisements for household products, where companies would claim that their product was "everything but the kitchen sink."

Regardless of its exact origin, the idiom has become a commonly used phrase in the English language, often used to add humor or exaggeration to a statement. It has also been adapted and used in various forms, such as "everything but the bathroom sink" or "everything but the kitchen stove."