The phrase “all over“ can have two primary meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
Meaning of “All over”
1. Finished or dead: This usage indicates that something has come to an end or that someone has died.
Examples:
“Dinner is all over. I’m sorry you didn’t get any.”
(This means dinner has finished, and there is no more food available.)
“It’s all over. He’s dead now.”
(Here, it signifies that the person has passed away.)
2. Everywhere: In this context, it refers to something being present in all locations or spread throughout a particular area.
Examples:
“Oh, I just itch all over.”
(This implies the itching sensation is felt throughout the entire body.)
“She’s spreading the rumor all over.”
(This suggests that the rumor is being shared in many different places.)
Equivalent expressions
- Finished: For the first meaning, terms like “done,” “completed,” or “over with” can be used interchangeably.
- All around: For the second meaning, expressions like “everywhere,” “in every place,” or “throughout” can convey a similar idea.
The idiom “all over” serves to express both the conclusion of an event or situation and the ubiquity of something in a given context. Its versatility makes it useful in various conversations.
