After All

Meaning of Idiom ‘After All’

The idiom after all has three possible meanings that are pronounced in slightly different ways.

1. Despite everything that occurred; despite what happened; regardless of the situation before; nevertheless. (Pronounced with the stress is on the first word: AFTER all.) ¹, ²

2. Ultimately, everything considered. (Pronounced with the stress on the second word: after ALL.) ³

3. For the reason given (Pronounced with the stress on the second word: after ALL.) ⁴

Examples of Use

“Despite the cut in pay and the longer commute, I took the job after all. The benefits are great and there is lots of opportunity.

“The road construction really slowed us down and we almost got lost but we arrived on time after all.”

“You’d better learn to get along with Robin. After all, he’s your boss.

“I suggest you conserve water,” said the guide. “After all, there’s no telling when we’ll find fresh water again.”

“Sure we were confident. We’d won all our games, after all.”

Origin

Used since the early 1700s

More Idioms Starting with A

• Add Fuel to the Fire
• All Tuckered Out
• Are You Writing a Book?
• Army Brat
• And How

More After Idioms

• Run After
• Take After

More All Idioms

• All Tuckered Out
• All Hell Breaks Loose
• All of a Sudden
• Not For All the Tea in China
• All That Glitters Is Not Gold

 

References

1. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
2. Heacock, Paul. Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms]. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2010.
3. Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.
4. Heacock, Paul. Cambridge Dictionary of American Idioms]. Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 2010.