Everything but the kitchen sink

usgb
phrase

Almost everything possible or available.

She packed everything but the kitchen sink for her camping trip.
Visual representation of "everything but the kitchen sink" - Almost everything possible or available

Often appears as...

  • packed everything but the kitchen sink
  • included everything but the kitchen sink

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "everything but the kitchen sink"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Usage

This phrase is informal and best used in casual conversation or writing.

Illustration for Idiomatic Usage
When they moved houses, they took everything but the kitchen sink.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Exaggeration

The phrase is used to exaggerate for a humorous or dramatic effect—it's not literal.

Illustration for Exaggeration
For a weekend trip, he packed everything but the kitchen sink!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Speech

Remember it's a figure of speech meaning that someone has included more items than necessary.

Illustration for Figurative Speech
Her purse was so heavy; it had everything but the kitchen sink inside.
Visual representation of the word "Everything but the kitchen sink"

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