The Whole Enchilada: Learn what the means through example!

What does “The Whole Enchilada” mean?

"The Whole Enchilada" means the entire thing or everything.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I want to try every dish on the menu, give me the whole enchilada!

Example

He didn't hold back, he told me the whole enchilada about what happened.

Example

I don't want just a piece, I want the whole enchilada

Is “The Whole Enchilada” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“The Whole Enchilada” 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 “The Whole Enchilada” effectively in context?

You can use "The Whole Enchilada" to refer to the entire thing or everything. It is often used to express a desire for completeness or to emphasize that nothing should be left out. For example, if you want to try every dish on a menu, you might say, 'I want to try every dish on the menu, give me "the whole enchilada"!'

• 1. Food

  When ordering at a restaurant, you can say, 'I don't want just a piece, I want the whole enchilada.'

• 2. Sharing Information

  If someone tells you all the details about something, you can say, 'He didn't hold back, he told me the whole enchilada about what happened.'

• 3. Completeness

  When discussing a project, you can say, 'We need to consider every aspect, not just a few parts. We need the whole enchilada.'

Similar phrases to “The Whole Enchilada”:

The Full Monty

The complete or entire thing

Example

He didn't hold back, he told me the full monty about what happened.

The Works

Everything included or all the available options

Example

When ordering a burger, you can say, 'I want all the toppings, give me the works.'

The Whole Shebang

The entire thing or everything

Example

I don't want just a piece, I want the whole shebang.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “The Whole Enchilada” come from?

The origin of the phrase "The Whole Enchilada" is unknown.

Is “The Whole Enchilada” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "The Whole Enchilada" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express a desire for completeness or to emphasize that nothing should be left out.

What tone does “The Whole Enchilada” have?

"The Whole Enchilada" conveys a tone of emphasis and enthusiasm. It's often used to express a strong desire or to emphasize the importance of including everything.

Can “The Whole Enchilada” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "The Whole Enchilada" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of completeness. 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, 'I want to try every dish on the menu, give me "the whole enchilada"!' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I want "the whole enchilada"!' to imply a desire for completeness.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• the whole nine yards
• the whole shooting match
• the whole kit and caboodle
• the whole ball of wax
• the whole hog

Antonyms