run the gamut

Cultural  

1. To cover a whole range: “The students' reactions to the novel ran the gamut from delight to loathing.”

---

run the gamut Idioms  

1. Extend over an entire range, as in His music runs the gamut from rock to classical. This expression alludes to the medieval musical scale of Guido d'Arezzo, gamut being a contraction of gamma and ut, the lowest and highest notes respectively. [Mid-1800s]

---

Example Sentences

The rugged individualists’ arguments run the gamut from a sincere nostalgia — many chairs designed and installed in the 20th century didn’t even have safety bars, they note — to the intentionally absurd.

From Los Angeles Times

Sweden’s Stellan Skarsgård — whose career has run the gamut from Lars von Trier’s arty provocations to Marvel, “Dune,” “Star Wars” and “Mamma Mia!” franchise entries — is, at 74, arguably leading the supporting actor race.

From Los Angeles Times

Discount categories run the gamut and typically include mattresses and home appliances.

From MarketWatch

So far the topics callers have discussed have run the gamut, including hobbies, culture and world events, Goldhirsh said.

From Los Angeles Times

Clorox brands include eponymous cleaners and run the gamut of consumer products, including Fresh Step cat litter, Kingsford charcoal and Hidden Valley Ranch dressings.

From MarketWatch