Definition

Noun: 1. The whole set or collection of related things: A complete group or package of items considered together, often implying everything involved in a particular situation or deal. * This sense originates from Yiddish and is often used informally.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • When they offered him the promotion, they gave him a new office, a company car, and a bigger budget—the whole schmear.
  • I didn't just want the basic software; I decided to buy the entire schmear with all the premium add-ons.
  • For the party, she prepared appetizers, main courses, desserts, and drinks—the full schmear.

Advanced Usage

• "the whole schmear": This is the most common and idiomatic usage. It functions as a fixed phrase meaning "everything included," "the entire package," or "the full treatment."
  • The wedding package included the venue, catering, photography, and music—the whole schmear.

Variants and Related Words

• Schmeer (noun): An alternative, less common spelling of "schmear."
• Schmear (verb, informal): In a different, unrelated usage (primarily in American English), it can mean to spread something (e.g., to schmear cream cheese on a bagel). This is listed separately as it is a distinct meaning.

Synonyms

• The whole shebang: The entire matter or affair.
• The whole kit and caboodle: Everything; the whole lot.
• The whole nine yards: Everything possible or available.
• The entire package: The complete set of components or features.

Related Idioms

• The whole ball of wax: Everything related to a particular situation.
  • He's responsible for marketing, sales, and distribution—the whole ball of wax.
• Lock, stock, and barrel: Including every part or element.
  • They sold the business lock, stock, and barrel.

Noun

1. (Yiddish) a batch of things that go together
   • he bought the whole schmeer