ENGLISH
REFERENCE

all things to all people

idiom
Meaning

Someone or something that entirely satisfies the expectations of everyone, no matter how diverse and conflicting those expectations may be.


Origin

disputed origin

From Holy Bible (King James Version), 1 Corinthians 9:22: "To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some."

Examples
SIMPLE

You cannot be all things to all people.

CONTEXTUAL

The politician tried to be all things to all people, but his vague promises eventually disappointed both sides.

COMPLEX

A leader who attempts to be all things to all people often finds that by trying to please everyone, they ultimately satisfy no one at all.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all things considered

    Generally speaking; in terms of the big picture.

  2. 02

    beautiful people

    Fashionable, privileged, glamorous people, especially those belonging to international high society; the beau monde.

  3. 03

    finer things

    That which is considered of a high quality, expensive or tasteful.

  4. 04

    hear things

    To imagine that one hears sounds that are not actually real; to have auditory hallucinations.

  5. 05

    leave things alone

    Synonym of let it be.

  6. 06

    leave things be

    Synonym of let it be.

  7. 07

    let things alone

    Synonym of let it be.

  8. 08

    let things be

    Synonym of let it be.

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