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Region: General | Usage example: They kept an all-purpose toolkit for every project.

All-purpose

Meaning

Suited for many different uses.

Usage

Used to describe versatile tools or resources.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Practical description derived from kitchen staples.

Used widely since the late 1800s.

Related Idioms

Apples and oranges

Two things that are fundamentally different and not directly comparable.

Black sheep

Someone who is seen as different or disapproved of within a group.

Change of pace

A different style or tempo.

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.