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all1 S1 W1
1 the whole of an amount, thing, or type of thing : 
Have you done all your homework?I've heard it all before. She'd given up all hope of having a child.
Have you done all your homework? all your life/all day/all year etc (=during the whole of your life, a day, a year etc) He had worked all his life in the mine. The boys played video games all day.
He had worked all his life in the mine.The boys played video games all day.I've heard it all before.She'd given up all hope of having a child.2 every one of a number of people or things, or every thing or person of a particular type : Someone's taken all my books! Will all the girls please stand over here. All children should be taught to swim. 16 per cent of all new cars sold in Western Europe these days are diesel-engined. They all speak excellent English.
Someone's taken all my books!Will all the girls please stand over here.All children should be taught to swim.16 per cent of all new cars sold in Western Europe these days are diesel-engined.They all speak excellent English. all of important changes that will affect all of us
important changes that will affect all of us3 the only thing or things : All you need is a hammer and some nails. All I'm asking for is a little respect.
All you need is a hammer and some nails.All I'm asking for is a little respect.4 formal everything : I'm doing all I can to help her. I hope all is well with you. All was dark and silent down by the harbour wall.
I'm doing all I can to help her.I hope all is well with you.All was dark and silent down by the harbour wall.5 used to emphasize that you mean the greatest possible amount of the quality you are mentioning : Can any of us say in all honesty that we did everything we could?
Can any of us say in all honesty that we did everything we could?6 used in negative statements and questions to emphasize what you are saying : They've done nothing at all to try and put the problem right. He's not looking at all well. 'Do you mind if I stay a little longer?' 'No, not at all.' Has the situation improved at all?
at all
They've done nothing at all to try and put the problem right.He's not looking at all well.'Do you mind if I stay a little longer?' 'No, not at all.'Has the situation improved at all?7 many different kinds of something : Social workers have to deal with all kinds of problems.
all sorts/kinds/types of something
Social workers have to deal with all kinds of problems.8 used to emphasize that your statement is true of one particular person, thing, or place more than any other : You shouldn't have done it. You of all people should know that. She did not want to quarrel with Maria today, of all days.
of all people/things/places etc
You shouldn't have done it. You of all people should know that.She did not want to quarrel with Maria today, of all days.9 used to show that you are considering every part of a situation : All in all, it had been one of the most miserable days of Henry's life.
all in all
All in all, it had been one of the most miserable days of Henry's life.10 in spite of a particular fact : For all his faults, he's a kind-hearted old soul. For all my love of landscape, nothing could persuade me to spend another day in the Highlands.
for all something
For all his faults, he's a kind-hearted old soul.For all my love of landscape, nothing could persuade me to spend another day in the Highlands.11 including every thing or person : In all, there were 215 candidates. We received £1550 in cash and promises of another £650, making £2200 in all.
in all
In all, there were 215 candidates.We received £1550 in cash and promises of another £650, making £2200 in all.12
and all
a) including the thing or things just mentioned : They ate the whole fish - head, bones, tail, and all.
They ate the whole fish - head, bones, tail, and all.b) spoken informal used to emphasize a remark that you have just added : And you can take that smelly old coat out of here, and all!
And you can take that smelly old coat out of here, and all!13 used to emphasize how large or small an amount actually is : The game lasted all of 58 seconds. The repairs are going to cost all of £15,000.
all of 50p/20 minutes etc
spokenThe game lasted all of 58 seconds.The repairs are going to cost all of £15,000.14 used to say that unless something is done completely, it is not acceptable : Half-heartedness won't do - it's got to be all or nothing.
it's all or nothing
Half-heartedness won't do - it's got to be all or nothing.15 to make the greatest possible effort in order to achieve something : The coach expects every player to give their all in every game.
give your all
The coach expects every player to give their all in every game.16 used to say that you only just succeeded in doing something : It was all I could do to stop them hitting each other.
it was all I could do to do something
It was all I could do to stop them hitting each other.17 used to remind someone about an important point that needs to be considered : When all's said and done, he's only a kid.
when all's said and done
spokenWhen all's said and done, he's only a kid.