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every which where

every which where

9.6
In every possible place
  • idiom
  • Informal
translation icon : por todas partes
  • I looked for my wallet every which where, but I still couldn't find it.

Examples

  • During the renovation, dust managed to get every which where in the house.

  • Confetti was scattered every which where after the celebration ended.

  • I looked for my keys every which where.

  • Have you checked every which where for your wallet?

  • Dust was scattered every which where during the construction work.

  • After the storm, leaves were blown every which where across the yard.

  • He searched every which where for his lost book, but it was nowhere to be found.

Synonyms

all over
vsevery which where
1.0

In every part of a place

is broader meaning in every possible place not just inside an area
everywhere
vsevery which where
1.0

In all places

is the informal way to say in every possible place
everyplace
vsevery which where
  • US
1 2.0

In all places

is the informal phrase rather than the single word form

Surface Forms

Morphology

every + which + where

The meaning 'in every possible place' is directly derivable from combining 'every' and 'where'; the inserted 'which' functions as an emphatic/filler element rather than changing composition, so a B1 learner who knows the constituents can infer 'everywhere'. This pattern of periphrastic emphasis is common and cross-linguistically recognizable, supporting a transparent rating.

Etymology

Every which where is a playful doubling of words to show things are all over; imagine confetti thrown so it lands in every direction and every place, with which and where making the image stronger. So, it now means 'in every possible place' or 'everywhere'.