PhrasesHub

The whole shebang

    Definitions

      • entirety of something
        Referring to the entire thing or the whole situation, including all its components or elements

      • all-inclusive
        Describing something that includes everything, leaving nothing out

    Examples of The whole shebang

    • The company bought a new software system and all the necessary hardware to go with it. They wanted to streamline their operations and make everything more efficient. The whole shebang cost a pretty penny, but they were confident it would be worth the investment in the long run.

      This example uses "the whole shebang" to mean everything that was purchased by the company, including the software system and any related hardware. The phrase is used as a way to describe the entire package, rather than just individual components.

    • Emma had saved up for months to go on a cross-country road trip. She wanted to see as much of the country as she could and experience everything there was to offer. She packed her car with everything she would need for the journey, from camping gear to snacks to her trusted GPS device. When she finally hit the open road, she said that she was ready for the whole shebang.

      In this example, "the whole shebang" is used to mean the entire experience that Emma is embarking on. She wants to see everything, from the scenic vistas to the quirky roadside attractions, and she's prepared for all of it.

    • Sarah's parents had promised her that when she graduated from college, they would take her on a trip anywhere she wanted to go. It didn't matter where she chose, they would pay for everything, from airfare to hotel accommodations to meals. Sarah thought about it for a long time and finally decided that she wanted to go to Europe. She said that she wanted the whole shebang, so they booked a three-week tour of Italy, France, and Spain.

      In this example, "the whole shebang" is used to mean everything that Sarah's parents agreed to pay for during her trip to Europe. It includes all of the expenses related to travel and accommodations, as well as any other activities or experiences that she wants to have.

    • Jake had been working on a big project at work for several months. He put in long hours and sacrificed his weekends to make sure it was done on time. When the project was finally completed, his boss called him into his office to congratulate him. He said that Jake had knocked it out of the park and that the entire project, from start to finish, was the whole shebang.

      In this example, "the whole shebang" is used to mean the entire project that Jake worked on. It includes all of the tasks and responsibilities that he had, as well as any challenges or obstacles that he had to overcome along the way. His boss is praising Jake for his hard work and dedication, and he's letting him know that he's proud of everything that Jake achieved.

    • The party was a huge success, and we pulled out all the stops to make it the whole shebang.

      This idiom is used when you want to refer to everything that is necessary or included in a particular event or situation. In this case, the speaker is saying that the party was not just any party but the complete and entire event, with all the necessary components and elements included.

    • I quit my job and sold all my possessions - the whole shebang!

      Here, 'the whole shebang' refers to everything the person owned, including their job, and indicates that they have made a complete and radical change in their life.

    • We took the entire facility, from the ground up, the whole shebang!

      This example is used to mean that the person or group has acquired everything that is involved in a particular facility or location, leaving nothing behind.

    • He's got the whole shebang going on here!

      This expression is used to indicate that the person being referred to has everything they need or want in a particular situation or place. It suggests that the person has all the necessary resources, tools, or equipment to carry out whatever activity is taking place.


    Conclusion

    "The whole shebang" is used to refer to the entirety of something, encompassing all its parts or elements. It can also indicate that something is all-inclusive, leaving nothing out. This idiom is often used to emphasize the completeness or comprehensiveness of a situation or thing.

    Origin of "The whole shebang"

    The origin of the idiom "the whole shebang" is not entirely clear, but it is believed to have originated in the United States in the 19th century. The word "shebang" itself has uncertain origins, but it is thought to have been used in American English slang to mean "a hut" or "a crude dwelling." Over time, the term evolved to refer to an entire situation or collection of things, leading to the modern idiom "the whole shebang."

    One popular theory about the origin of the idiom suggests that it may have come from the French-Canadian word "chabane," which means "hut" or "cabin." As French-speaking fur trappers and traders interacted with English speakers in the United States, the word may have entered American English and evolved into "shebang."

    Overall, while the exact origin of the idiom "the whole shebang" remains uncertain, it is clear that it has been a part of American English for many years, and it continues to be used to convey the idea of completeness and inclusiveness.