What does “All over the shop” mean?
"All over the shop" means that something is disorganized or chaotic.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Her thoughts were all over the shop and she couldn't focus on one thing.
Example
The kids had left their toys all over the shop and it was a mess.
Example
The meeting was all over the shop with people talking over each other
Is “All over the shop” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“All over the shop” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “All over the shop” effectively in context?
You can use "All over the shop" to describe a situation or state of being that is disorganized, chaotic, or scattered. It emphasizes the lack of order or structure in a particular context. For example, if someone's thoughts are scattered and they can't focus on one thing, you might say, 'Her thoughts were all over the shop.'
- 1Personal Life
After the move, their belongings were all over the shop, and it took them days to unpack and organize everything.
- 2Home
The kids had left their toys all over the shop, and it was a mess.
- 3Meeting
The meeting was all over the shop with people talking over each other and no clear agenda.
Similar phrases to “All over the shop”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “All over the shop” come from?
The origin of the phrase "All over the shop" is unknown.
Is “All over the shop” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "All over the shop" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations or states of being that lack organization or structure.
What tone does “All over the shop” have?
"All over the shop" conveys a tone of chaos or disorganization. It is typically used to highlight a lack of order or structure in a particular context.
Can “All over the shop” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "All over the shop" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a disorganized or chaotic state. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Her thoughts were all over the shop and she couldn't focus.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It's "all over the shop"!' to imply a chaotic situation.