Conclusion
“All things to all people/men” is a phrase that is often used to describe someone who tries to please everyone, regardless of their preferences or opinions. This phrase is often used in a negative context, implying that the person is insincere or trying too hard to be liked.
Definitions
The phrase “all things to all people/men” can be defined as an attempt to please everyone, regardless of their preferences or opinions. It is often used to describe someone who is trying to be all things to all people, in order to gain popularity or acceptance.
Origin
The origin of the phrase “all things to all people/men” is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in the Bible. In 1 Corinthians 9:22, the apostle Paul wrote, “I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some.” This verse is often interpreted as an endorsement of the idea of being all things to all people.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The phrase “all things to all people/men” is not listed in many dictionaries, but it is often included in online dictionaries and slang dictionaries. The meaning of the phrase is generally consistent across these sources, with most definitions describing someone who is trying to please everyone.
Associations
The phrase “all things to all people/men” is often associated with negative qualities, such as insincerity or a lack of authenticity. It is also associated with the idea of trying too hard to be liked or accepted, and with the idea of being a people-pleaser.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for the phrase “all things to all people/men,” including:
- People-pleaser.
- Chameleon.
- Yes-man.
- Sycophant.
- Flatterer.
Antonyms
The antonyms of the phrase “all things to all people/men” would be words that describe someone who is not trying to please everyone, such as:
- Authentic.
- Genuine.
- Honest.
- Individualistic.
- Uncompromising.
The same root words
The phrase “all things to all people/men” does not have any specific root words, but it is made up of common English words that are used in many other contexts.
Example Sentences
- “John is always trying to be all things to all people, but I don’t think he’s being genuine.”
- “She’s such a people-pleaser that she’ll do anything to make others happy, even if it’s not what she wants.”
- “I don’t like politicians who try to be all things to all people. I want someone who stands up for what they believe in.”
The phrase “all things to all people/men” is a common expression used to describe someone who is trying to please everyone, regardless of their preferences or opinions. While this can be seen as a positive trait in some situations, it is often associated with negative qualities such as insincerity or a lack of authenticity.