# the whole world and his dog

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-whole-world-and-his-dog
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Everybody; too many people; a huge crowd.

## Examples

- The whole world and his dog showed up at the free concert.
- I tried to get a table at the new restaurant, but the whole world and his dog were already waiting in line.
- By the time the celebrity arrived at the gala, the whole world and his dog had gathered outside to catch a glimpse of the star.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.