All Walks of Life: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
November 10, 2023

The idiom "all walks of life" means people with different jobs, backgrounds, lifestyles, or social statuses. It is usually used with the preposition "from" to indicate diversity or inclusiveness.

In short:

  • It pertains to individuals with diverse occupations, histories, ways of life, or societal positions.

What Does "All Walks of Life" Mean?

The idiom "all walks of life" describes people with different occupations, professions, or careers. It can also refer to people with different backgrounds, cultures, religions, or ethnicities. The idiom implies a variety or a range of people in a particular group or situation. In addition, it is usually used with the preposition "from" to indicate that people come from different places or circumstances. For example, you can say that people from "all walks of life" attend a particular event, participate in a specific activity, or share a common interest.

Where Does "All Walks of Life" Come From?

The idiom "all walks of life" dates back to the 18th century. It is related to the idea of "walking" as a way of living or working. The phrase became more popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in newspapers and magazines. It was often used to emphasize the diversity or inclusiveness of a particular group or event.

10 Examples of "All Walks of Life" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:

  • The park is a place where people from all walks of life gather.
  • The neighborhood is known for its residents from all walks of life.
  • You'll meet people from all walks of life at the community center.
  • She has friends from all walks of life who support and inspire her.
  • No diggity. He has traveled worldwide and met people from all walks of life.
  • The club welcomes members from all walks of life with a passion for gardening.
  • Real talk: The pandemic has affected people in all walks of life in different ways.
  • The festival attracts visitors from all walks of life who enjoy music, art, and food.
  • The charity helps children from all walks of life facing difficulties at home or school.
  • She has interviewed celebrities, politicians, and people from all walks of life for her podcast.

Examples of "All Walks of Life" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

  • All Walks of Life is a 2020 American coming-of-age film distributed by Prime Video. It was written and directed by Dylan Watson. The film follows the lives of 10 teenage actors who face various challenges and obstacles, such as PTSD, bullying, abuse, sexuality, and suicide. The film explores the themes of friendship, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity.
  • In the book The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951), the narrator, Holden Caulfield, encounters people from "all walks of life" during his journey in New York City, such as taxi drivers, nuns, prostitutes, and teachers.
  • In the TV show Friends (1994-2004), the six main characters are friends from different "walks of life" who live together in New York City. They include a chef, a paleontologist, an actor, a masseuse, a fashion executive, and a data processor.

Other Ways to Say "All Walks of Life"

Here are some synonyms and alternative expressions for this idiom:

  • All kinds of people
  • All sorts of people
  • People from all backgrounds
  • People from all corners of the world
  • People from every walk of life

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "All Walks of Life"

Here are some common questions and answers about this idiom:

  • What does "all walks of life" mean?

The idiom "on wheels" is an expression that refers to something moving on a vehicle with wheels. It can also be used to describe something that is operating smoothly, efficiently, or successfully.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "all walks of life"?

The idiom "all walks of life" dates back to the 18th century. It is related to the idea of "walking" as a way of living or working. The phrase became more popular in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially in newspapers and magazines. It was often used to emphasize the diversity or inclusiveness of a particular group or event.

  • Is "all walks of life" singular or plural?

The phrase "all walks of life" is plural. It refers to multiple people who have different ways of living or working.

  • What is another way to say "all walks of life"?

You can use one of these synonyms to say "all walks of life": all kinds of people, all sorts of people, people from all backgrounds, people from all corners of the world, people from every walk of life.

  • What is the opposite of "all walks of life"?

The opposite of "all walks of life" is a phrase that indicates homogeneity or exclusiveness. For example, one walk of life, one kind of people, one sort of people, people from one background, people from one corner of the world.

  • Is "all walks of life" formal or informal?

The phrase "all walks of life" is neither formal nor informal. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Is "all walks of life" an idiom or a metaphor?

The phrase "all walks of life" is an idiom. An idiom is a fixed expression with a symbolic meaning different from its literal meaning. A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things that are not alike. The phrase "all walks of life" does not compare two things but describes a group or situation.

  • Is "all walks of life" synonymous with "diversity"?

While they are related concepts, "all walks of life" refers to the wide range of backgrounds and experiences, whereas "diversity" can encompass a broader spectrum of differences.

  • Can you use "all walks of life" to describe non-human things or objects?

No, this idiom is typically used to describe people or human experiences and is not used to refer to non-human entities.

  • Is "all walks of life" a common idiom in everyday conversation?

Yes, it is a fairly common idiom used in everyday conversation and in various forms of writing to describe the diversity of people in a particular context or group.

Final Thoughts About "All Walks of Life"

The idiom "all walks of life" is a common and valuable expression describing a diverse or inclusive group. It can be used to discuss people with different jobs, backgrounds, lifestyles, or social statuses. It can also show that a particular event, activity, or issue affects or involves people from various categories or segments of society.

Here are some basic facts about the idiom:

  • It means people who have different ways of living or working.
  • It is usually used with the preposition "from" to indicate diversity or inclusiveness.
  • It dates back to the 18th century and is related to "walking" as a way of living or working.
  • It has several synonyms that can be used interchangeably.
  • It has been used in various forms of popular culture, such as movies, songs, books, etc.

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