Anything goes
Meaning
This phrase describes a situation where there are no rules, limits, or restrictions, meaning any behavior or action is acceptable.
Origin
Picture the glamorous, chaotic 1930s, a world reeling from the Great Depression yet eager for escape and new freedoms. Amidst this whirlwind, composer Cole Porter unleashed his iconic 1934 musical, Anything Goes. The title, and its electrifying title track, perfectly captured the era's mood: a playful, often scandalous, surrender to the idea that old rules were out, and anything, from madcap romance to societal rebellion, was now fair game. Porter didn't invent the sentiment, but his dazzling musical cemented 'Anything Goes' into the popular lexicon, painting a vivid picture of a world where traditional boundaries crumbled, leaving behind a thrilling, unpredictable landscape.
Examples
- When the substitute teacher was in charge, anything goes, so the kids were pretty wild.
- At that late-night party, the host declared that anything goes, leading to some truly unexpected activities.