whole ball of wax
English
Etymology
(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)
Pronunciation
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Noun
whole ball of wax
- (idiomatic, slang) The entire or overall plan, concept or action.
- The whole ball of wax will be viewed in 5 minutes.
- In my opinion the whole ball of wax depends on what she'll say.
- 1976, Saul Bellow, Humboldt's Gift, New York: Avon, →ISBN, page 380:
- Of course I have to take a little advantage. After all, I'm the guy who puts the thing together—the whole ball of wax.
- (idiomatic, slang) Everything of a similar or related nature; everything necessary for a particular purpose.
- Synonyms: see Thesaurus:everything
- We've got pots, pans, the food and cooking utensils—the whole ball of wax.