What is the whole nine yards?

The phrase "the whole nine yards" is an idiom, meaning "everything, the whole amount, the full extent." It's often used to describe going all out, giving everything you have, or getting the complete treatment. The exact origin of the phrase is uncertain, and there are many theories, but no definitive proof for any of them.

Here are some of the popular, though unproven, theories about the origins of "the whole nine yards":

• Fabric: Some theories suggest it refers to the amount of fabric needed for a suit, kilt, or burial shroud, implying a full and complete measure.
• Ammunition: Another theory links it to World War II fighter planes. Supposedly, a fighter plane carrying nine yards of ammunition belts would have "given the whole nine yards" when it emptied its guns. However, there's no evidence to support this.
• Concrete: Some people believe it refers to the volume of a concrete mixing truck during road building or construction. "The whole nine yards" would be the entire load.
• Sailing ships: It could refer to the yards on a sailing ship, that hold up the sails. "The whole nine yards" would mean that all the sails are out.
• Garbage Truck: Another theory links it to the capacity of early garbage trucks. The whole nine yards would be the entire load of the vehicle.

Despite the lack of a definitive origin, "the whole nine yards" is a common idiom used in American English. The meaning is more important than the origin. It's simply a colorful way of saying "everything" or "the full amount".

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• Idiom
• American%20English