holus-bolus

American  

[hoh-luhs-boh-luhs] / ˈhoʊ ləsˈboʊ ləs /

adverb

1. all at once; altogether.

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holus-bolus British  

/ ˈhəʊləsˈbəʊləs /

adverb

1. informal all at once

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Etymology

Origin of holus-bolus

First recorded in 1840–50; mock-Latin rhyming compound based on the phrase whole bolus, or possibly a Latinization of Greek hólos bôlos “whole lump, clod of earth, nugget”; see origin at whole, bolus

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Explanation

If a new editor makes changes holus-bolus to the upcoming school yearbook, they do a complete overhaul, changing everything at once. They replace all the student volunteers, arrange for a complete redesign, and find a new printer. Holus-bolus came into use in the mid-1800s, and there are at least two stories about its origin. The English word bolus means "ball," or any soft, round lump of something, and it could be that holus was attached to suggest "whole" while imitating the look and sound of Latin in a nifty rhyming compound. Or it could be from Greek holos bolos, already a nifty rhyming compound meaning "whole lump," followed by a change to Latin endings: Latin uses -us where Greek has -os.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

holus-bolus

With these words, she appeared to lose all command over herself; and, making a sudden snatch at the heap of silver, put it back, holus-bolus, in her pocket.

From The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

They had just killed the animal, and were roasting it whole, holus-bolus, unskinned and undressed.

From Spinifex and Sand by David Wynford Carnegie

Having imported their whole constitution and law books holus-bolus from England, each colony has been engaged ever since its foundation in fitting them to its circumstances.

From Town Life in Australia by Richard Ernest Nowell Twopeny

There was a first-class carr'ge door opin right forninst me, an' into that the gyard crams me holus-bolus.

From Martin Hewitt, Investigator by Arthur Morrison

I'll take it on my shoulders, holus-bolus, blame and shame, my boy; but stay here, I cannot let you.

From Treasure Island by Milo Winter

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