it's all relative

American  

[its awl rel-uh-tiv] / ˌɪts ˈɔl ˈrɛl ə tɪv /

idiom

1. (used to suggest that something should be considered in comparison to something else and not just on its own).

   We camped on the flattest place we could find (I say flat, but it’s all relative; nothing is actually flat up there).

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Etymology

Origin of it's all relative

First recorded in 1800–10

Example Sentences

But he's also keen to point out that it's all relative.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

A pity, since Winston's backup team of Frankie's friends could have been loads of fun, problematic tropes aside — I mean, it's all relative right?

From Salon • Sep. 22, 2023

Rodney To tells his acting students at USC that he doesn’t like using the word “success” in this profession, because it’s all relative.

From Los Angeles Times • May 24, 2023

But it’s all relative to the modern NHL, where even repeating once as champion is a major feat given cap-induced roster turnover, faster-paced games and best-of-seven rounds throughout.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 14, 2022

“I guess I don’t mind losing my conviction if it’s all relative fiction anyway.”

From New York Times • Feb. 25, 2021