all over (something)

all over

1. Crowding, covering, or in close proximity to something, especially in a way that is unwanted or unexpected. In this usage, "all over" is followed by a person. I had barely walked in the door when reporters were all over me for a story.2. Scattered in many locations in a particular area or place. How can anyone sit down when your clothes are all over the room? How did you not know about the show? There were posters all over campus.3. Done. Often said when an outcome is no longer possible. It's all over—there's no way we'll score a goal to tie it in the last seconds. The party's all over now—people started leaving an hour ago. It's all over with me and Diane. We just fought too much.See also: all, over

all over (something)

1. Very interested in something. My daughter is all over tennis these days, so I just signed her up for some lessons.2. Actively doing or working on something. You need this printed out? No worries, I'm all over it.See also: all, over

*all over (some place)

found in every place; available in all locations. (*Typically: be ~; Spread ~.) The window shattered and shards of glass were all over the place. There are ants all over the cake!See also: all, over

all over

 1. and (all) over with finished. Dinner is all over. I'm sorry you didn't get any. It's all over. He's dead now. 2. everywhere. Oh, I just itch all over. She's spreading the rumor all over.See also: all, over

all over

1. Everywhere. The phrase may be used alone, as in I've looked all over for that book, or The very thought of poison ivy makes me itch all over. In addition it can be used as a preposition, meaning "throughout," as in The news spread all over town. [Early 1600s] Also see far and wide. 2. In all respects, as in He is his Aunt Mary all over. Charles Lamb had this usage in a letter (1799) about a poem: "The last lines ... are Burns all over." [Early 1700s] 3. Also, all over again. Again from the beginning. For example, They're going to play the piece all over, or Do you mean you're starting all over again? [Mid-1500s] 4. Also, all over with. Quite finished, completed, as in By the time I arrived the game was all over, or Now that she passed the test, her problems are all over with. This phrase uses over in the sense of "finished," a usage dating from the 1300s. Also see all over but the shouting; have it (all over), def. 4. See also: all, over

all ˈover


1 everywhere: We looked all over for the ring. ♢ The news was all over the office within minutes.
2 what you would expect of the person mentioned: That sounds like my sister all over.See also: all, over

all over something

mod. very fond of something. Dave is all over old bikes. See also: all, over, something

all over

1. Completely ended or finished: Their marriage is all over.2. In every part; everywhere: The storm swept across the island and left damage all over.3. Typical of the person or thing just mentioned: Making wisecracks like that—that's Jim all over.4. Showing much romantic interest or being in close contact: He was all over her during the slow dance.5. Persistently or harshly critical or scolding: The coach was all over me about missing practice.See also: all, over