all that

1. adverb Very. Usually used in negative constructions to mean the opposite. Those files aren't all that important, just get them to me when you have a chance. Nah, my cold wasn't all that serious—a few days rest and I'm back to normal. A: "Why did you give that project to an intern?" B: "Because it's not all that critical, but we do have to get it done soon."

2. noun Nonspecific things that are similar or somehow related to that which is being discussed. I need to find a stylist to do our hair and makeup and all that on the day of the wedding. Yes, yes, take care and all that, I'll see you soon. Yeah, I'm going to do the wash and vacuum and all that over the weekend, don't worry.

3. adjective, slang Remarkably adept, intelligent, good-looking, or successful. Primarily heard in US. I don't need to see his test results, I already know he's all that! Oh man, Emily is all that—gorgeous, funny, kind. I think I'm in love! If you don't think Kevin's all that, then why are you going out with him?

See also: all, that

be all that

slang To be remarkably adept, intelligent, good-looking, or successful. Primarily heard in US. I don't need to see his test results, I already know he's all that! Oh man, Emily is all that. Gorgeous, funny, kind… I think I'm in love! If you don't think Kevin's all that, then why are you going out with him?

See also: all, that

all that

1. Too, very, usually employed in a negative context meaning not too, not very. For example, The new house is not all that different from your old one. [Mid-1900s] Also see none too.

2. That and everything else of the kind. For example, She enjoys wearing nice clothes and perfume and all that. [c. 1700] Also see and all.

3. See for all that.

See also: all, that

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

be all that

AMERICAN, INFORMAL

If someone or something is all that, they are very impressive and of a high quality. My boyfriend thinks he's all that. I read the book because my friend thinks it's all that.

See also: all, that

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

be all that

be very attractive or good. US informal

2002 Guardian I can't believe how she throws herself at guys, she thinks she's all that.

See also: all, that

be all ˈthat

(American English, informal) be very attractive or impressive: He thinks he’s all that.

See also: all, that

all that

Informal

To the degree expected.

See also: all, that

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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