all the same

Are you using the idiom all the same but not sure about its meaning? Using idioms, which are important elements of spoken and written language, in the right place strengthens your language skills. Examine the meaning of the all the same idiom and the situations in which it is used.

Meaning of "all the same"

Meaning

The idiom 'all the same' has two distinct meanings. The first meaning is that two things are the same despite their differences, usually when the difference is minor. For example, if two people order the same type of food from a restaurant but one person orders it with extra cheese and the other orders it without, they could say 'it's all the same.' The other meaning of 'all the same' is that one thing happens repeatedly despite different circumstances, often used in negative contexts. For example, if someone was having trouble on their job and said 'no matter what I do, it's all the same,' they would mean that they have tried changing different aspects of their job but they keep having the same problems.

Etymology

The origins of the phrase 'all the same' can be traced to the early 1500s, when the phrase appeared in various literature. It is likely that the phrase had a similar meaning then as it does now, although there is no definitive answer. Another phrase with a similar meaning, 'same difference', appeared a few centuries later in the late 1800s, suggesting that the phrase has been in use for quite some time.

Usage

The idiom 'all the same' is commonly used in everyday conversations and is an easy phrase to remember and use. It can be used to express both positive and negative sentiments, depending on the context in which it is used. For example, if someone is trying to explain that despite their differences, two things are the same, they could say 'it's all the same.' On the other hand, if someone is expressing their frustration with something and feel that they have no control over it, they could say 'it's all the same no matter what I do.'

Example Sentences

• I don't care if the color is different, it's all the same.
• No matter what I do, it's all the same.
• I'm not picky, it's all the same to me.

The Surprising Origins of Everyday English Idioms

Many English idioms have surprisingly dark origins, often rooted in violence, death, and superstition. For instance, the phrase "raining cats and dogs" is said to have originated in the 17th century, when heavy rain would often cause dead animals to wash up on the streets. Meanwhile, the idiom "rule of thumb" is believed to have originated from a law that allowed men to beat their wives with a stick no thicker than their thumb.