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Glite Dictionary
every which where

every which where

9.6
In every possible place
  • idiom
  • Informal
: 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

every which where positive

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'.