for all (one's) (something)

for all

1. To the degree or extent that; insofar as. We might as well have been educated by dogs for all the good their teaching did! For all I know, she could be living in Timbuktu by now!2. In spite of; notwithstanding. For all our efforts to stop the bill, it still cleared both the House and the Senate with ease.See also: all

for all (one's) (something)

In spite of the negative trait or issue the speaker is discussing. In this construction, the speaker indicates a specific person, followed by a problem or shortcoming they have experienced or exhibit. Yeah, she's not remotely punctual, and she gripes a lot, but for all her shortcomings, Elisa is a really great manager—her employees just love her. For all our difficulties buying a house, we still managed to get one that we absolutely love.See also: all

for all someone's problems

in spite of a person's problems (as specified). For all her complaining, she still seems to be a happy person. For all my aches and pains, I'm still rather healthy.See also: all, problem

for all

1. Also, for all that. In spite of, notwithstanding. For example, For all her protests she still loved the attention, or He's too old for the part but he did a good job for all that. [Early 1300s] 2. for all one cares or knows . So far as one knows; also, one doesn't really care or know. These phrases are employed like a negative. For example, He can buy ten houses for all I care, meaning one doesn't care at all, or For all I know she's gone to China, meaning one doesn't really know where she is. [Mid-1700s] See also: all

for all —

in spite of —. 1989 Independent For all their cruel, corrupt and reckless vices, the Maharajahs were worshipped as gods by tens of thousands of their subjects. See also: all