cover all the bases — to deal with or include all the important aspects of a situation; to prepare for all possibilities
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to deal with or include all the important aspects of a situation; to prepare for all possibilities
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkʌvər ɔːl ðə ˈbeɪsɪz/
Example Sentences
- The lawyer covered all the bases by preparing for every possible question the judge might ask.
- Mom covered all the bases for my birthday party - she even prepared umbrellas in case it rained!
- The student covered all the bases by studying every chapter, making flashcards, and getting enough sleep before the exam.
cover all the bases
NOUN[/ˈkʌvər ɔːl ðə ˈbeɪsɪz/]
to deal with or include all the important aspects of a situation; to prepare for all possibilities
to deal with or include all the important aspects of a situation; to prepare for all possibilities
Cover all the bases across cases and places!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase originates from baseball terminology, where it literally refers to defensive players covering or guarding all four bases (first, second, third, and home plate). The expression extended to general use in the 1940s to mean addressing all necessary aspects of a situation comprehensively.
Breakdown
cover (to protect, guard, or handle) + all the bases (the four bases in baseball: first, second, third, and home plate). The compound idiomatically means to address or manage every aspect of something.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The lawyer covered all the bases by preparing for every possible question the judge might ask.”
“Mom covered all the bases for my birthday party - she even prepared umbrellas in case it rained!”
“The student covered all the bases by studying every chapter, making flashcards, and getting enough sleep before the exam.”
“The chef covered all the bases by preparing both meat and vegetarian options, but forgot that some people don't like cilantro!”
📚Related Words
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