# today we are all

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/today-we-are-all
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An expression indicating that the speaker empathizes with members of an identifiable group that was the subject of a disaster, and projects that others empathize as well.

## Examples

- After the storm, today we are all residents of that small town.
- Because of the factory closure, today we are all workers looking for hope.
- In this time of grief, today we are all members of their family.
- When the news reported the tragedy at the university, the president stated that today we are all students in mourning.
- Following the fire at the local library, the mayor told the crowd that today we are all readers who have lost a home.
- After the flood destroyed the coastal village, the governor announced that today we are all neighbors helping to rebuild.
- As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the earthquake, the leader declared that today we are all survivors standing together in the face of such profound loss.

## Origin

Probably originates from "today we are all Republicans", said by a physician attending U.S. President Ronald W. Reagan prior to a surgery. (disputed)

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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.