All things considered
Meaning
When all aspects and factors of a situation are taken into account, often leading to a summary or overall judgment.
Origin
“All things considered” isn't a phrase born from a dramatic event or a colorful metaphor; rather, its power lies in its quiet authority, a testament to the clarity of plain English grammar. Emerging into widespread use during the 18th century, a time of burgeoning reason and intellectual discourse, this absolute construction became a reliable tool for philosophers, politicians, and everyday thinkers alike. It offered a concise, elegant way to signal that a speaker or writer had weighed every angle, every factor, every nuance of a complex situation before arriving at a final judgment. It suggests an inherent fairness, a promise that no stone has been left unturned, inviting the listener to trust in a decision that acknowledges the full spectrum of reality. Far from a mere idiom, it's a rhetorical cornerstone, a verbal nod to thoroughness and balanced perspective that remains as relevant today as it was centuries ago.
Examples
- All things considered, it was a successful year for the company despite the unexpected market fluctuations.
- She decided to accept the job offer; all things considered, the benefits and work-life balance outweighed the slightly lower salary.