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for all the world

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for all the world

 

1. exactly; precisely. (Especially with look.) She sat there looking for all the world as if she was going to cry. It started out seeming for all the world like a beautiful day. Then a storm came up.

2. everything. (Usually in the negative.) I wouldn't give up my baby for all the world. They wouldn't sell their property for all the world.

See also: all, world

for all the world

1. In all respects, precisely, as in She looked for all the world like Greta Garbo. [Late 1300s]

2. Also, not for the world. Not for anything, not at any price. For example, I wouldn't give up chocolate for all the world, or Not for the world would I reveal your secret. This hyperbolic expression is generally part of a negative statement. [First half of 1800s] For a synonym, see not for love or money.

See also: all, world

for all the world

In all respects; precisely: She looked for all the world like a movie star.

See also: all, world