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Meaning & use

all the trimmings

phrase·Everydayinformal

Last updated

UK/ˌɔːl ðə ˈtrɪmɪŋz/
US/ˌɔːl ðə ˈtrɪmɪŋz/

Meanings

  1. phraseidiom

    The usual extra items, especially side dishes, that traditionally accompany a main dish or special occasion.

    Grammar: Plural and follows the main item: turkey with all the trimmings.

    Patterns

    • something with all the trimmings

    We had roast turkey with all the trimmings on Christmas Day.

    The restaurant serves a Sunday roast with all the trimmings.

    He ordered a burger with all the trimmings.

  2. phraseidiomfigurative

    Every additional feature or decoration that makes something complete or luxurious.

    Grammar: Used after with: a wedding with all the trimmings.

    Patterns

    • something with all the trimmings

    They gave their daughter a wedding with all the trimmings.

    He bought a car with all the trimmings, including leather seats.

Common combinations

with all the trimmings
The dinner came with all the trimmings.
a feast with all the trimmings
Grandma cooked a feast with all the trimmings.
a holiday with all the trimmings
They planned a holiday with all the trimmings.
a wedding with all the trimmings
It was a wedding with all the trimmings.
a roast with all the trimmings
We ordered a roast with all the trimmings.

Synonyms and how they differ

all the extras
This is broader and can refer to any additions, not only food.
the works
The works is more casual and slangy, often used in ordering food.
the full package
This points to a complete deal rather than a traditional meal.
side dishes
This names exactly the food items and has no sense of tradition or celebration.

Opposites

bare essentials

Word family

trim verb
to decorate or cut neatly
trimming noun
a decoration or extra item
trimmings noun
extra items or decorations, plural

Commonly confused: all the trimmings or trimming?

all the trimmings vs trimming

In the singular, trimming often means a cutting or decoration; the idiom needs the plural trimmings.

Practice

For the holiday dinner, we served roast goose with all the ___.

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