What does “Everything but the kitchen sink” mean?
"Everything but the kitchen sink" means including everything possible or imaginable.
What context can I use the in?
Example
When she went on vacation, she packed everything but the kitchen sink.
Example
The store was having a clearance sale and was selling everything but the kitchen sink.
Example
He brought everything but the kitchen sink to the camping trip
Is “Everything but the kitchen sink” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Everything but the kitchen sink” 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 “Everything but the kitchen sink” effectively in context?
You can use "Everything but the kitchen sink" to express the idea of including everything possible or imaginable. It is often used in a humorous or exaggerated way. For example, if someone is packing for a trip and brings a lot of unnecessary items, you might say, 'They packed everything but the kitchen sink!'
- 1Travel
When she went on vacation, she packed everything but the kitchen sink.
- 2Shopping
The store was having a clearance sale and was selling everything but the kitchen sink.
- 3Camping
He brought everything but the kitchen sink to the camping trip.
Similar phrases to “Everything but the kitchen sink”:
Load up
To pack or bring a large quantity or variety of things
Example
They loaded up the car with snacks, drinks, and camping gear.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Everything but the kitchen sink” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Everything but the kitchen sink" is unknown.
Is “Everything but the kitchen sink” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Everything but the kitchen sink" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to emphasize the inclusion of a large number of items or to express the idea of excessive or unnecessary abundance.
What tone does “Everything but the kitchen sink” have?
"Everything but the kitchen sink" conveys a tone of exaggeration and humor. It is often used in a lighthearted manner to describe situations where someone includes or brings an excessive amount of things.
Can “Everything but the kitchen sink” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Everything but the kitchen sink" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that conveys the idea of including everything imaginable. 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's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She packed everything but the kitchen sink for her trip.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'They brought "everything but the kitchen sink"!' to imply the inclusion of a large number of items.
