Be all that

phrasal verb

To be very good, impressive, or attractive.

He thinks he's all that, but actually, he's just a beginner in coding.
Visual representation of "be all that" - To be very good, impressive, or attractive

Often appears as...

  • she thinks she's all that
  • he's not all that

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

phrasal verb

Refers to representing everything; to fully embody a particular quality or set of qualities.

She felt she had to be all that for her students, both a mentor and a teacher.
Visual representation of "be all that" - Refers to representing everything; to fully embody a particular quality or set of qualities

Often appears as...

  • she tried to be all that
  • he's struggling to be all that

Usage tips

General, Idiomatic

phrasal verb

To be very good, impressive, or attractive.

He thinks he's all that, but actually, he's just a beginner in coding.
Visual representation of "be all that" - To be very good, impressive, or attractive

Often appears as...

  • she thinks she's all that
  • he's not all that

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

phrasal verb

Refers to representing everything; to fully embody a particular quality or set of qualities.

She felt she had to be all that for her students, both a mentor and a teacher.
Visual representation of "be all that" - Refers to representing everything; to fully embody a particular quality or set of qualities

Often appears as...

  • she tried to be all that
  • he's struggling to be all that

Usage tips

General, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "be all that"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cockiness Implication

Using 'be all that' can imply arrogance when someone overestimates their abilities.

Illustration for Cockiness Implication
He acts like he's all that at chess, but I've beaten him every time.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Conversational Tone

The phrase 'be all that' is informal and best used in casual conversations among friends.

Illustration for Conversational Tone
You think you're all that because you won one game?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasizing Achievement

The phrase can highlight a success but risks sounding boastful if overused.

Illustration for Emphasizing Achievement
After winning the contest, he strutted around like he was all that.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cockiness Implication

Using 'be all that' can imply arrogance when someone overestimates their abilities.

Illustration for Cockiness Implication
He acts like he's all that at chess, but I've beaten him every time.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Conversational Tone

The phrase 'be all that' is informal and best used in casual conversations among friends.

Illustration for Conversational Tone
You think you're all that because you won one game?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasizing Achievement

The phrase can highlight a success but risks sounding boastful if overused.

Illustration for Emphasizing Achievement
After winning the contest, he strutted around like he was all that.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Cockiness Implication

Using 'be all that' can imply arrogance when someone overestimates their abilities.

Illustration for Cockiness Implication
He acts like he's all that at chess, but I've beaten him every time.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Conversational Tone

The phrase 'be all that' is informal and best used in casual conversations among friends.

Illustration for Conversational Tone
You think you're all that because you won one game?
LampPro Tip 3/3

Emphasizing Achievement

The phrase can highlight a success but risks sounding boastful if overused.

Illustration for Emphasizing Achievement
After winning the contest, he strutted around like he was all that.
Visual representation of the word "Be all that"

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