for all the world
1. Exactly; in every way. Wow, you look for all the world like your mother—I almost called you by her name! Some of these knockoff watches seem for all the world like the real thing, but they're poorly constructed and made from much cheaper materials. I can't believe you made this drink yourself. It tastes for all the world like one you'd get at Starlux!
2. For anything. Our relationship has its share of challenges, but I wouldn't trade it for all the world. A: "Really? You wouldn't change jobs for all the world?" B: "Well, maybe I'd think about it if a drastic pay increase were involved." I wouldn't give up my car for all the world. I can't go back to taking four modes of public transportation every day!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
for all the world
1. exactly; precisely. (Especially with look.) She sat there looking for all the world as if she was going to cry. It started out seeming for all the world like a beautiful day. Then a storm came up.
2. everything. (Usually in the negative.) I wouldn't give up my baby for all the world. They wouldn't sell their property for all the world.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
for all the world
1. In all respects, precisely, as in She looked for all the world like Greta Garbo. [Late 1300s]
2. Also,
not for the world. Not for anything, not at any price. For example,
I wouldn't give up chocolate for all the world, or
Not for the world would I reveal your secret. This hyperbolic expression is generally part of a negative statement. [First half of 1800s] For a synonym, see
not for love or money.
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.
for all the world
In all respects; precisely: She looked for all the world like a movie star.
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.