all the way
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adverb 1. Completely, to the fullest extent or degree: Used to emphasize that an action is done without reservation, limitation, or interruption from start to finish. 2. To the final point or destination: Used to indicate movement or progress through the entire distance or duration to a specified endpoint.
Usage Examples
- Completely:
- He supported the candidate all the way. (He gave his complete and unwavering support.)
- I agree with you all the way on that issue. (I agree with you completely.)
- To the final point:
- The road goes all the way to the coast. (The road extends the complete distance until it reaches the coast.)
- She stayed with the project all the way to its completion. (She remained involved for the entire duration until it was finished.)
Advanced Usage
- Not stopping short of sexual intercourse: A specific informal idiom meaning to engage in full sexual relations.
- Reference example: She went all the way with him.
- Used for emphasis with "from": To highlight a starting point that is very distant or different, contrasting with the endpoint.
- He came all the way from Australia to attend the wedding. (Emphasizes the great distance traveled.)
- This idea has evolved all the way from a simple sketch to a finished product. (Emphasizes the complete journey of development.)
Variants and Related Words
- The whole way: A near-synonymous phrase often used interchangeably, especially for literal distances.
- We walked the whole way.
- All the way through: Often used to emphasize experiencing or doing something completely without skipping parts.
- I watched the movie all the way through.
- Go the distance: An idiom meaning to continue until something is completely finished, often against difficulty.
- It's a tough challenge, but I'm prepared to go the distance.
Synonyms
- Completely
- Entirely
- The whole distance
- To the end
- Without reservation
Related Phrases
- All the way live (slang): Used to describe something as extremely authentic, exciting, or excellent.
- That concert was all the way live!
- All the way up (informal): Used to indicate something is at its maximum level, often in terms of volume, intensity, or success.
- Turn the music all the way up!
Related Idioms
- Go all the way: Can mean to commit fully to a course of action until it is finished, beyond the specific sexual idiom.
- If we start this project, we have to be prepared to go all the way.
- Be with someone all the way: To support someone completely and without doubt.
- Don't worry, I'm with you all the way.
Adverb
- not stopping short of sexual intercourse
- she went all the way with him
- completely
- read the book clear to the end
- slept clear through the night
- there were open fields clear to the horizon
- to the goal
- she climbed the mountain all the way