# whole shooting match

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/whole-shooting-match
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Everything; the entire collection, endeavor, or activity.

## Examples

- I want to buy the whole shooting match.
- She decides to quit her job and leave the whole shooting match behind.
- He sold his house, his car, and his furniture, selling the whole shooting match before moving abroad.
- If you sign up for the premium membership, you get the equipment, the training sessions, and the whole shooting match for one monthly price.
- We need to plan the catering, the music, and the decorations to finish the whole shooting match before the guests arrive.
- The new manager decided to reorganize the department, replacing the staff, the software, and the whole shooting match to improve efficiency.

## Origin

The origin of the phrase is uncertain, though etymologists suggest a potential relationship with the term whole shitting match. It remains a matter of some debate whether the current expression is a bowdlerisation of the vulgar form, or if the vulgarity is a later corruption of the original. The phrase appears in the early 20th century as a colloquialism for a complete situation or entirety, functioning as a polite alternative to its more coarse counterpart. (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.