root-and-branch

British  

adjective

1. on a large scale or without discrimination; wholesale

   root-and-branch reforms

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adverb

1. entirely; completely; utterly

   Brazil needs reform root and branch

root and branch Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

The CCRC's senior leadership, starting with the CEO, must also resign to pave the way for root-and-branch reform.

From BBC

The government has set up an Independent Water Commission to lead a "root-and-branch" review into the industry.

From BBC

She added: "Despite inquiry after inquiry, apology after apology and a slew of litigation, neither the NHS or the government appear willing to tackle the real issue - a root-and-branch rethink of what young mothers and families want at one of the most stressful points in their lives. A statutory public inquiry would hopefully secure this once and for all."

From BBC

Elsewhere at the conference, Sir Ed said his party would seek "root-and-branch" reform of the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU rather than "tinkering around the edges" of the existing deal.

From BBC

And because of its hallowed status as a national treasure, any efforts at root-and-branch change quickly run up against political resistance.

From New York Times