after all
Idioms-
Despite everything, nevertheless, as in The plane took off half an hour late but landed on time after all .
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After everything else has been considered, ultimately, as in Mary has final approval of the guest list; after all, it's her wedding . The two usages are pronounced differently, the first giving stress to the word after and the second to the word all . Both date from the early 1700s. Also see when all is said and done .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Maybe it wouldn’t turn out so bad after all.
From Slate ● Sep. 15, 2026
So this is my take: Say “yes” to your mother’s request, but don’t make your blessing — it is only a blessing, not permission, after all — contingent on you getting the same amount.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 10, 2026
Maybe Elizabeth Holmes can still heal the world, after all.
From Salon ● Sep. 9, 2026
That’s what the American justice system is for, after all.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 6, 2026
“I thought you had more sense after all this time. But you’ve proven to me you do not. Such recklessness using my name! On a case of this importance! You irresponsible girl!”
From "The Detective's Assistant" by Kate Hannigan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
