for all

Idioms  

1. Also, for all that . In spite of, notwithstanding. For example, For all her protests she still loved the attention , or He's too old for the part but he did a good job for all that . [Early 1300s]

2. . So far as one knows; also, one doesn't really care or know. These phrases are employed like a negative. For example, He can buy ten houses for all I care , meaning one doesn't care at all, or For all I know she's gone to China , meaning one doesn't really know where she is. [Mid-1700s]

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Example Sentences

"You didn't ask for all the flashing lights... I wish I knew the pain I caused," sings Madonna in a rare mea culpa.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2026

Employment of electricians is projected to grow 9 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics released two years ago.

From Barron's • Jul. 2, 2026

Over his last term, Newsom has expanded early childhood education and created a new grade — free transitional kindergarten for all 4-year-olds — at a cost of $2.7 billion.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 1, 2026

It is too bad for all of us that the judge didn’t show such respect.

From Slate • Jul. 1, 2026

For you, for what you believed in and for all those who still need people like us to fight for them and with them.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler