Figurative meaning
requiring complete success or acceptance, with no partial alternative
Word picture
The paired extremes describe a particular choice or arrangement.
Example
“The seller refuses to divide the collection: it's all or nothing.”
Recorded usage
These full forms were measured in COCA in 2016–2017. Counts apply to the quoted form, not every use of this idiom; overlapping forms are not added together.
- “All or nothing” — 183 recorded occurrences
Grouped source variants; editorially classified here as an idiom. Usage counts are separate from CEFR difficulty.
Dictionary details
Tags
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
do your own thing
CEFR B1follow your own preferences rather than conforming to what others do
easy does it
CEFR B1used to tell someone to proceed slowly, gently, or carefully
enough is enough
CEFR B1used to say that something unwelcome must stop because you will tolerate no more
fair enough
CEFR B1used to accept someone's explanation, proposal, or point as reasonable
it's a small world
CEFR B1used to express surprise at an unexpected connection or meeting
long time no see
CEFR B1a friendly greeting to someone you have not seen for a long time
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.