for all the world

/fər ɔːl ðə wɝːld/
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Exactly like something in the impression it gives.

Examples

  • He spoke for all the world as if he owned the place.
  • The house looked for all the world like a ship.
  • The tiny engine hummed for all the world like a bee.
  • The figure seemed for all the world to be a statue.
  • She sounded for all the world like her mother.

Similar words

just like
exactly like

Meanings

Exactly like

comparison
neutral
Used to say that someone or something seems exactly like another person or thing.

Examples

  • She sounded for all the world like her mother.
  • The house looked for all the world like a ship.
  • He spoke for all the world as if he owned the place.
  • The figure seemed for all the world to be a statue.
  • The tiny engine hummed for all the world like a bee.

Similar words

Etymology

The fixed phrase intensifies a comparison by invoking the whole world, as if no closer likeness could be found.

FAQ

What does for all the world mean?

For all the world emphasizes a striking likeness.

When is for all the world used?

It often comes before like, as if, or an infinitive.

How does for all the world differ from roughly like?

Roughly like allows a loose resemblance, but for all the world suggests a very close one.

How is for all the world used in a sentence?

She sounded for all the world like her mother.

Is for all the world formal?

No. It is expressive, but it still appears in speech and writing.

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