of all people/places/things

of all people

Being the most or least expected person compared to anyone else. Really, Jeff, you of all people should know that it is never OK to get behind the wheel after drinking. And then Tom Hanks, of all people, stopped by to take pictures with our wedding party in the park.See also: all, of, people

of all places

Being the least expected place compared to anywhere else. My parents are taking us to Louisiana, of all places. What the heck is there to do in Louisiana?See also: all, of, place

of all things

Of all the possibilities (this is the most surprising or unlikely). When he retired, he took up painting, of all things. He had never even picked up a paintbrush before that! After spending his childhood in and out of detention centers, he became, of all things, a cop.See also: all, of, thing

of all things

From all the possibilities, as in I said I'd help in any way I can, and of all things they want me to handle publicity. This term, generally expressing surprise, was first recorded in 1925. See also: all, of, thing

of ˈall people/places/things

used to emphasize that the person/place/thing is the most or least likely in the circumstances: You of all people should be sympathetic, having just had a similar accident yourself. ♢ If it’s a rest they need, then why go to New York of all places?See also: all, of, people, place, thing