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Synonyms

through and through

Idioms  

  1. In every part or aspect, throughout. For example, I was wet through and through, or He was a success through and through. This idiom originally was used to indicate literally penetration, as by a sword. The figurative usage was first recorded in 1410.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He is United through and through, so will know the task in hand and will not be afraid to make hard decisions.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

"He had a really good temperament, showed respect to everyone, trained properly and was Villa through and through."

From BBC • Aug. 18, 2025

And Susan Collins is a Republican, through and through.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2025

I'm a savory chef through and through and the thing that I love about cream is that it really brings a touch of luxury to any dish that you're making.

From Salon • Dec. 21, 2024

She was a Swanburne girl, through and through.

From "The Incorrigible Children of Ashton Place: Book I: The Mysterious Howling" by Maryrose Wood

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.