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Region: General | Usage example: All in all, the trial went smoothly.

All in all

Meaning

Taking everything into account.

Usage

Used to summarize overall impressions.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Idiomatic phrase combining all factors.

Used since the 19th century in prose.

Related Idioms

All things considered

Taking every factor into account.

Go for broke

Risk everything to achieve success.

Get our ducks in a row

Organize details carefully before taking action.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.