English · Daily Life
the whole nine yards
/ðə həʊl naɪn jɑːdz/
[/ðə həʊl naɪn jɑːdz/]
everything possible
Advancedphrase
Definition
Everything that is possible or available; the complete amount.
Example
For their anniversary he went the whole nine yards: flowers, champagne, a band, the lot.
For their anniversary he went the whole nine yards: flowers, champagne, a band, the lot.
Etymology
A mid-20th-century American phrase of disputed origin, possibly from fabric, ammunition, or concrete.
How & Where It’s Used
Chiefly American and informal for the full, complete effort.