The whole nine yards
idiom
Everything that is or could be included in something.
He gave his beloved everything for her birthday - flowers, chocolates, a handmade card, the whole nine yards.
Often appears as...
- have the whole nine yards
- give the whole nine yards
Usage tips
Colloquial
idiom
Everything that is or could be included in something.
He gave his beloved everything for her birthday - flowers, chocolates, a handmade card, the whole nine yards.
Often appears as...
- have the whole nine yards
- give the whole nine yards
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't mean nine actual yards; it's a figure of speech for 'everything possible'.
For the wedding, they planned the whole nine yards - cake, music, decorations.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Use
Use this phrase in casual conversations, rather than formal or academic writing.
When he throws a party, he goes the whole nine yards, even hiring a DJ.
Pro Tip 3/3American Origin
The phrase is widely recognized and used in American English, but it's understood globally.
In his new house, he got the whole nine yards - pool, garden, and garage.
Pro Tip 1/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't mean nine actual yards; it's a figure of speech for 'everything possible'.
For the wedding, they planned the whole nine yards - cake, music, decorations.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Use
Use this phrase in casual conversations, rather than formal or academic writing.
When he throws a party, he goes the whole nine yards, even hiring a DJ.
Pro Tip 3/3American Origin
The phrase is widely recognized and used in American English, but it's understood globally.
In his new house, he got the whole nine yards - pool, garden, and garage.
Pro Tip 1/3Not Literal
The phrase doesn't mean nine actual yards; it's a figure of speech for 'everything possible'.
For the wedding, they planned the whole nine yards - cake, music, decorations.
Pro Tip 2/3Informal Use
Use this phrase in casual conversations, rather than formal or academic writing.
When he throws a party, he goes the whole nine yards, even hiring a DJ.
Pro Tip 3/3American Origin
The phrase is widely recognized and used in American English, but it's understood globally.
In his new house, he got the whole nine yards - pool, garden, and garage.
Never forget "The whole nine yards"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension