'For All That' Idiomatic Expression Meaning and Samples

The idiom "for all that" is commonly used to express surprise, disbelief, or disappointment in a situation. It implies that one's expectations have not been met, despite the fact that one may have put a lot of effort into achieving their goal.

For example, imagine a student who has spent the entire week studying for a difficult test. Despite their effort, they wind up failing the test. They could say "For all that I studied, I still failed."

In another context, the phrase can also be used to describe situations where two conflicting ideas are true at the same time. For example, someone might say "I love my job, but for all that it still pays low."

Overall, the idiom "for all that" is a versatile expression used to express disappointment, surprise, or the simultaneous truth of two seemingly contradictory ideas.

"for all that" meaning and sample sentences

The origin of the idiom "for all that" is uncertain, but it is believed to have derived from the Middle English phrase "for al that" or "for al so". It was first recorded in the late 14th century, with the earliest known use being in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. In this work, the phrase was used to express a sense of surprise at the events of the story.

The phrase eventually made its way into everyday language, and was commonly used in the 16th and 17th centuries. It was often used to express disappointment or disbelief at a situation, and to this day it is still used for that purpose. The phrase has also been used more figuratively to describe situations where two apparently conflicting ideas are both true.

In conclusion, the idiom "for all that" has been in use for centuries and is used to express disbelief, surprise, or the simultaneous truth of two conflicting ideas.

Consider these sample sentences of the idiom "for all that":

I worked for hours on this project, for all that it's still not finished.
She studied for days and still didn't get the grade she wanted, for all that.
Even though I've done my best, I'm still not successful, for all that.
I put my heart and soul into this job, for all that I'm still not being paid what I'm worth.
He spent months on this project, for all that it was still rejected.
I was hopeful for a better outcome, for all that.
Despite my hard work, I'm still not getting the results I wanted, for all that.
I thought I'd be able to make a change, for all that the situation is still the same.
I devoted all my time to this task, for all that it still wasn't completed in time.
She gave it her best effort, for all that it wasn't enough.

Comments

What Does “Eat Crow” Mean? Origin, Usage & Examples

The idiom “eat crow” means to admit you were wrong after insisting you were right. Figuratively, it refers to swallowing one’s pride, facing embarrassment, or conceding a mistake. Literally, it suggests the unpleasant act of eating a crow—a bird associated with being tough, gamey, and unappetizing. This contrast makes it a memorable piece of figurative language in English. Origin or Background The phrase “eat crow” first appeared in 19th-century America. One widely shared story comes from an 1850 newspaper article describing a farmer who lost a bet and was forced to eat a crow he had shot. Because crows were considered undesirable and even revolting to eat, the tale quickly gained symbolic meaning. Interestingly, similar expressions exist in other cultures, such as “eating humble pie” in British English, both carrying the idea of reluctantly accepting humiliation. Common Usage in Everyday English People use “eat crow” in situations where: Someone is proven wrong after c...

💌 The Meaning of the Idiom "You and Yours" 🫶 — Explained with Examples

When someone says "you and yours," it may sound poetic or old-fashioned, but it's still warm , meaningful , and used in modern conversations. This phrase is an elegant and affectionate way to include you and your loved ones , and it often appears in greetings, well wishes, and heartfelt messages. In this article, we will unpack the true meaning of the idiom "you and yours," explore how it's used in different contexts, and provide original sample sentences. Whether you're crafting a message, a speech, or just looking to understand everyday expressions more deeply, this guide is for you and yours . 💡 What Does "You and Yours" Really Mean? The idiom "you and yours" refers to you and the people closely connected to you — typically your family, partner, or loved ones . It's a collective expression that conveys inclusion, care, and community . ✅ “You” refers to the person being addressed. ✅ “Yours” extends to those who b...

On All Fours: Meaning, Context, and Etymology

The phrase "on all fours" is an idiom that has been in use since the 16th century. It is a noun phrase that describes a position where all four limbs are touching the ground. This phrase is often used to describe animals, such as cats and dogs, that are in a crawling position. It can also be used to describe humans in a submissive or humble position. The origin of this phrase dates back to the Latin phrase " quadrupedare ," which means "to go on all fours." This phrase is used to describe a person or animal that is in a position of complete submission or humility. It can also be used to describe someone who is in a low-power situation or who is being taken advantage of. In modern usage, this phrase can be used to describe any situation where someone is in a vulnerable position or at a disadvantage. It can also be used to describe someone who is trying to get ahead but is struggling due to external factors. Additionally, it can be used to ...

💬 Can’t Get a Word in Edgeways? Here’s What It Really Means!

🧠 What Does Word in Edgeways Mean? The idiom “word in edgeways” means being unable to speak or contribute to a conversation because someone else is talking nonstop. If you can't get a word in edgeways , you literally can't interrupt or insert your opinion. 👉 Example : I wanted to tell her about my day, but she was ranting so much I couldn’t get a word in edgeways ! 🕰️ Origin of Word in Edgeways The phrase originated in British English around the 19th century , and it likely refers to the idea of trying to insert a thin “edge” of a word—like trying to wedge something into a very tight space. Just like slipping the edge of a knife into a packed drawer, you’re trying to insert your voice into a packed conversation. Some sources suggest that this idiom is a variation of the earlier phrase "to put a word in edgewise" , common in the U.S. The British version just adds a twist with the "-ways" ending. 🗣️ When and How Do We Use Word in Edgeways ? Thi...

Stirring Up a Hornet’s Nest – Meaning, Origin, and Usage

Ever heard the phrase “stirring up a hornet’s nest” and wondered what it really means? This vivid expression immediately conjures an image of angry hornets swarming out of their nest, ready to attack. But beyond the literal image, this phrase has a rich history and is often used in situations where someone unintentionally provokes trouble or chaos. In this post, we’ll dive deep into the meaning, origin, and usage of this fascinating idiom. 📚 Meaning of "Hornet's Nest" The phrase “stirring up a hornet’s nest” means to create a situation that leads to a lot of trouble, anger, or controversy. It refers to an action that provokes strong and often negative reactions, similar to how disturbing a hornet’s nest would cause an aggressive swarm of hornets to retaliate. ✅ Key Ideas: Provoking hostility or anger. Causing unforeseen trouble or chaos. Leading to a chain of negative reactions. 🕰️ Origin of the Phrase The origin of the p...

Your Daily Idioms

Search This Blog