nook and corner

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phraseliterary

   Every small, hidden or out-of-the-way part of a place, considered all together.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, usually after 'every' or 'in every': they searched every nook and corner.

   Patterns

   • every nook and corner
   • in every nook and corner
   • search every nook and corner of something

   The cleaners went through every nook and corner of the old house before the guests arrived.

   We looked in every nook and corner of the garden for the missing ring.

   She knows every nook and corner of this town, even the tiny alleys behind the market.

2. 2phraseidiom

   In every possible place or detail; used to stress how complete a search or check is.

   Grammar: Often follows verbs like 'search', 'check' or 'know' to emphasize thoroughness.

   Patterns

   • search every nook and corner for something
   • check every nook and corner

   Police searched every nook and corner for the stolen paintings.

   He checked every nook and corner of the report before sending it.

Common combinations

every nook and corner

They cleaned every nook and corner of the shop.

search every nook and corner

Rescuers searched every nook and corner of the building.

know every nook and corner

The guide knows every nook and corner of the old city.

in every nook and corner

Dust had settled in every nook and corner of the room.

Synonyms and how they differ

every nook and cranny

The much more common version in modern English; it means the same thing and fits casual speech better.

everywhere

Much broader and plainer; it simply means 'in all places' and does not suggest small hidden spots.

every corner

Shorter and more neutral; it stresses the whole area rather than the tiny, tucked-away parts.

Commonly confused: nook and corner or nook?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “nook and corner”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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