be all very well

You are wondering about the meaning of the phrase be all very well, maybe you heard it in a TV show, movie or theater play. Although this idiom is not used very often, it enriches your capacity of expression and strengthens communication. In which case is the expression be all very well used and what is its meaning?

Meaning of "be all very well"

Meaning

The idiom "be all very well" is an expression used to express doubt about the merits of an idea or action. It suggests that, although an idea or action might seem appealing, it could be flawed due to certain limitations or drawbacks. Additionally, it can be used to point out the impracticality of certain aspects of a plan, or to suggest that an alternative solution might be better. The phrase can be used to express both scepticism and caution.

Etymology

The phrase “be all very well” is an English idiom that has been in use since the early 19th century. The phrase was first used in the book “Tales of Mystery and Imagination” by noted Irish author, Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1799-1873). In the book, Bulwer-Lytton uses the phrase in a scene in which a character expresses doubt about the efficacy of a plan. Bulwer-Lytton writes: “It might be all very well for you, but I’ve got my conscience to consider.” This phrase has been widely repeated in literature since then.

Usage

The phrase “be all very well” is typically used to express doubt or scepticism regarding the merits of an idea or action. It is often used as a rebuttal when one disagrees with an idea or proposal. Additionally, it is also used in a non-confrontational way to suggest that a different approach might be more suitable. It can be used both in informal and formal contexts.

Example Sentences

• “It may be all very well to do that, but it won’t solve the problem.”
• “It might be all very well for them, but I don’t think it’s the best option for us.”
• “It may be all very well in theory, but in practice, it could be quite difficult.”

Idioms have a common language

"The early bird catches the worm" is an English idiom that means that those who wake up early and start their day early are more likely to succeed. A similar idiom in Spanish is "El que madruga, Dios le ayuda," which translates to "God helps those who rise early." This idiom emphasizes the importance of starting the day early in order to achieve success.