← Back to collection
Region: US | Usage example: The tour booked the whole ball of wax: flights, hotel, and shows.

The whole ball of wax

Meaning

Everything included, the entire package.

Usage

Used when talking about full coverage or package deals.

Origin & History

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

Possibly refereeing to bundles of cloth or wax in trades.

American slang dating to the 1950s.

Related Idioms

The whole nine yards

Everything possible or available.

The whole shebang

The entire thing, including all its parts.

Behind the eight ball

In a difficult or disadvantageous situation.

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.