What does “The world and his wife” mean?
"The world and his wife" means that there are a lot of people.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The concert was sold out, the world and his wife were there.
Example
The store had a huge sale and it seemed like the world and his wife showed up.
Example
The park was so crowded, it felt like the world and his wife were there
Is “The world and his wife” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“The world and his wife” 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 world and his wife” effectively in context?
You can use "The world and his wife" to describe a situation where a large number of people are present or involved. It emphasizes the idea that almost everyone is there or participating. For example, if you attend a popular event and see a massive crowd, you might say, 'The concert was sold out, the "world and his wife" were there.'
- 1Events
The store had a huge sale and it seemed like the world and his wife showed up.
- 2Crowded Places
The park was so crowded, it felt like the world and his wife were there.
- 3Social Gatherings
The party was a huge success, with the world and his wife in attendance.
Similar phrases to “The world and his wife”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “The world and his wife” come from?
The origin of the phrase "The world and his wife" is unknown.
Is “The world and his wife” common in everyday conversation?
"The world and his wife" is not a very common idiom in everyday conversation. It is more commonly used in informal settings or in written language to add color or emphasis to a description.
What tone does “The world and his wife” have?
"The world and his wife" conveys a tone of exaggeration and informality. It is often used in a lighthearted or humorous way to emphasize the presence of a large number of people.
Can “The world and his wife” be used in informal and formal settings?
"The world and his wife" is considered an informal expression. It is more likely to be used in casual conversations with friends, family, or colleagues rather than in formal situations.
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, 'The store had a huge sale and it seemed like "the world and his wife" showed up.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Looks like "the world and his wife" are here!' to imply a large crowd.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- a lot of people
- everyone and their mother
- a huge crowd
- countless individuals
- a multitude of people
Antonyms
- a handful of people
- a select few
- a small gathering
- a limited number of individuals
