root-and-branch

adjective

1. on a large scale or without discrimination; wholesale

   root-and-branch reforms

adverb

1. entirely; completely; utterly

   Brazil needs reform root and branch

Idioms and Phrases

Utterly, completely, as in The company has been transformed root and branch by the new management . Alluding to both the underground and aboveground parts of a tree, this idiom was first recorded in 1640.

Example Sentences

And it begins with the root-and-branch rejection of Abraham Lincoln.

From The Daily Beast

He had a bold, forward-looking mind, and was in favour of root-and-branch changes.

From Project Gutenberg

Thenceforward it was tacitly agreed between them that all root-and-branch criticism of Kitty and her ways was taboo.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus the would-be root-and-branch reforms found themselves in a dilemma.

From Project Gutenberg

Reform is impossible; therefore let there be root-and-branch revolution.

From Project Gutenberg

If you go in for root-and-branch efforts, you will get root-and-branch results.

From Project Gutenberg