all the while

American  

[awl thuh wahyl, hwahyl] / ˈɔl ðə ˈwaɪl, ˈʰwaɪl /

idiom

1. during this time; all along.

   She realized all the while that their plan would probably fail.

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Etymology

Origin of all the while

First recorded in 1350–1400

Example Sentences

To spur them on, Mary Kay offered only praise, never criticism, all the while dangling gifts and the opportunity for reinvention.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

No trace, no proof of life, and all the while, the nation is informed of every twist of what mostly is not happening.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 21, 2026

And all the while, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains utterly bleak.

From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026

Government borrowing costs have been rising all the while.

From Barron's • Nov. 19, 2025

I tossed my shawl aside and moved to the stove, talking all the while.

From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson