When someone says they have everything but the kitchen sink, it means they have a lot of things, possibly even too many things. It's a phrase that has been around for quite some time and is often used in a light-hearted manner. But have you ever wondered where this phrase originated from? Let's dive into the history and meaning behind this popular idiom.Everything but the kitchen sink
The idiom "everything but the kitchen sink" is used to express the idea of having a large or excessive amount of things. This phrase is often used to describe a person who is carrying a lot of belongings or has a cluttered living space. It can also be used in a more figurative sense to describe someone who is over-prepared for a situation.Everything but the kitchen sink idiom
The meaning behind this idiom is quite literal. It suggests that a person has everything they need, except for the one thing that is generally considered a basic necessity - a kitchen sink. In other words, they have everything but the most essential item.Everything but the kitchen sink meaning
This phrase is believed to have originated in the early 1900s, possibly during World War I. At the time, soldiers were often sent to the front lines with a lot of equipment and supplies, including rifles, ammunition, helmets, and so on. However, it was said that some soldiers even brought their kitchen sinks with them, as they didn't want to leave anything behind. This exaggerated notion of being overly prepared is believed to have given rise to the phrase "everything but the kitchen sink."Everything but the kitchen sink phrase
While the exact origin of this phrase is unclear, it is believed to have evolved from the practice of soldiers bringing their own personal belongings with them to war. This may have also been influenced by the popular saying "a man's home is his castle," which suggests that a person should have all their essential belongings with them at all times.Everything but the kitchen sink origin
The phrase "everything but the kitchen sink" is often used in a playful or humorous way. It can also be used to express frustration or overwhelm when someone has too many things to deal with. It's a versatile expression that can be used in various situations to convey a sense of excess or over-preparation.Everything but the kitchen sink expression
The idiom "everything but the kitchen sink" has a figurative meaning as well. It suggests that a person has prepared for every possible scenario, except for the most essential one. This can be seen in situations where someone has packed everything they need for a trip, except for their toothbrush, or has prepared for a presentation, but forgot to print out the most important document.Everything but the kitchen sink idiom meaning
Similar to the origin of the phrase, the exact origin of the idiom is also unclear. It is believed to have evolved over time from the literal meaning of having everything except for a kitchen sink to a more figurative meaning of being overly prepared in every aspect except for the most important one.Everything but the kitchen sink idiom origin
The definition of this idiom is quite straightforward. It refers to a person having a lot of things, possibly even too many things, except for the most essential item. It can also be used to describe someone who is overly prepared in every aspect except for the most important one.Everything but the kitchen sink definition
There are a few synonyms for this idiom, such as "everything and the kitchen sink" and "everything but the bathroom sink." Both of these phrases have a similar meaning and are often used interchangeably. However, "everything but the kitchen sink" remains the most popular and well-known version of this idiom.Everything but the kitchen sink synonym