all rightall ˈright ●●● S1 W2 adjective [not before noun], adverb, interjection 
‘What’s the food like?’ ‘It’s all right, but the place on campus is better.’ ‘How’s school going, Steve?’ ‘Oh, all right, I guess.’2no problems not ill, hurt, or upset or not having any problems SYN okay: Kate looks really unhappy – I’d better make sure she’s all right. Are you feeling all right? The kids seem to be getting on all right at school. Tony was worried about the meeting but it went all right (=happened with no problems). Don’t worry, it’ll turn out all right.3do all right (for yourself/herself etc) to be successful in your job, life etc: She’s doing all right – she’s got a job with Microsoft.4suitable used to say whether something is suitable or convenient SYN okayall right with/by/for Is Thursday morning all right with you? We’ll eat at eight. Does that sound all right to you?5it’s all right used to make someone feel less afraid or worried: It’s all right, Mommy’s here.6it’s/that’s all right used to reply to someone who thanks you or says they are sorry about something: ‘Thanks for all your help!’ ‘That’s quite all right.’7permission used to ask or give permission for something SYN okay: Would it be all right if I left early?be all right to do something Is it all right to bring my dog?8agreement used to agree with someone’s suggestion, although you may be slightly unwilling SYN okay: ‘Why not come along?’ ‘Oh, all right.’9understanding [sentence adverb] used to check that someone understands what you have said, or to show that you understand SYN okay: I’ll leave a key with the neighbours, all right? ‘The train leaves at 5.30.’ ‘All right, I’m coming!’10threaten used when asking in a threatening or angry way what someone’s intentions are SYN okay: All right, you two. What are you doing in my room?11change/end subject used to introduce a new subject or to end a conversation SYN okay: All right, now I’d like to introduce our first speaker.12it’s all right for somebody British English informal used to say that someone else does not have the problems that you have, or that you are jealous because someone else is luckier than you: ‘I get eight weeks’ holiday a year.‘ ’Well, it’s all right for some.'13emphasize informal used to emphasize that you are certain about something: ‘Are you sure it was Bill?’ ‘Oh, yes, it was him all right.’14happy American English informal used to say you are happy about something you have just been told: You passed? All right!15like British English used to describe someone you like or approve of: ‘The new boss isn’t too bad, is she?’ ‘No, she’s all right.’16greeting especially British English informal used as a greeting when you meet someone you know well, or reply to a greeting: ‘How are you, John?’ ‘Oh, all right – can’t complain.’17I’m all right Jack British English informal used to describe someone’s attitude when they do not care about other people as long as they themselves are happy, comfortable etc18it’ll be all right on the night British English informal used to say that something will be successful, even though there have been lots of problems: Workmen have yet to finish the new complex, but the organisers are confident it will be all right on the night. → a bit of all right at bit1(12)
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Can I play with my new computer game?" "Oh all right - as long as you don't make too much noise."
- "Connect the positive first and then the negative." "Oh, I see, all right."
- "How's school going, Steve?" "Oh, all right, I guess."
- "What's the food like?" "Well, it's all right, but the place near campus is better."
- All right, folks, I'd like to introduce our first speaker this evening.
- All right, what have you two been doing with that knife?
- Are you all right? What happened?
- Do you think you'll be all right by tomorrow night?
- I'll leave the key with the neighbors, all right?
- I'll see when Dr. Lopez is available. Is Thursday morning all right?
- Katie looked really unhappy - I'd better go and make sure she's all right.
- Sofia is the smart one in their family, all right.
- The kids seem to be doing all right in school.
- Wayne's experienced enough all right, but I don't know if he's right for this particular job.
THESAURUSnot harmed or damaged
not harmed or damaged: · The children are all safe.
informal safe and not hurt: · I was glad to hear that you were OK.
not hurt: · The kidnappers released the young man unharmed.
not hurt or damaged, after an accident, an attack, or a dangerous experience – used when you are surprised by this: · The baby escaped unscathed.· Miraculously, the old part of the city remained unscathed.
informal not harmed or damaged, especially after a journey or a dangerous experience: · I’m glad you’re home in one piece.
safe, after being in a dangerous situation: · As soon as they were out of danger, they stopped for a rest.· His doctors say he is out of danger.
Longman Language Activatorwhat you say to someone when you want them to be calm spoken say this when someone is angry, upset, or excited and you want them to think calmly or speak calmly again: · Calm down! Everything's going to be OK.· If you don't calm down, Mom's going to know something's wrong.
spoken say this to someone who is worried or frightened about something, in order to stop them worrying: · Relax! This won't hurt at all.· You can relax now - it's all over.
spoken informal say this when someone is angry or upset, and you want to stop them saying or doing anything stupid: · Hey, take it easy! Nobody's saying you're not good at your job.
spoken say this to someone to make them stop being worried: · It's okay, Chris, he's gone now.· It's all right, don't cry, Mummy's here.
spoken informal say this when someone is getting very nervous or worried, especially in a way that is annoying or unreasonable, and you want them to be calm - used especially by young people: · OK, it's all right - just chill out!· Just chill for a second - I'll figure something out.
to have enough of something to have enough of something to do what you want: · I'll come and see you if I have enough time.have enough time/money etc to do something: · We didn't have enough room to lie down, so we couldn't really sleep.
to have enough of something to do what you want: · I know I should exercise, but I just never seem to have the time.· I'm sure Jonathan would be willing to help, if he had the money.have the time/money/help etc to do something: · A small company like ours just doesn't have the resources to compete with the big corporations.
to have enough money to do something or to buy something: · I love the apartment, but I don't think we can afford the rent.can afford to do something: · These days more and more people can afford to fly, which means the airways become increasingly crowded.
informal to have enough time, money etc for a particular purpose, because you do not need it all for other purposes: · Can you spare a couple of minutes to talk about next week's programme?· The firm has agreed to improve the toilet facilities as soon as they can spare the money.· The records show that the city has a few acres of land to spare.
British informal if someone's money runs to something, they have enough money to pay for it, especially when it is something expensive: · I don't think my salary quite runs to holidays in the Caribbean!· The company budget wouldn't run to a Mercedes, so I had to make do with a Ford instead.
informal to have enough of something that you need, such as time, money, or food: · "Do you have to rush off?'' "No, I'm OK for time.''· We're all right for vegetables, but we need to buy some more fruit.· "Are we ok for little plates?" "Yeah, Matthew washed them all."
British informal to have plenty of something that is needed or that makes life easier or more pleasant: · We're quite well off for public transport in this part of the country.· The school's reasonably well off for books and equipment but there is a shortage of staff.
good enough · If the weather's good enough next weekend we'll go camping.good enough for · It's just a cheap wine but it's good enough for a picnic.good enough to do something · Do you think she's good enough to be in the team?
something that is satisfactory reaches the expected standard but is not better than it: · You won't get paid unless your work is satisfactory.· Lynne got satisfactory grades and was offered a place at university.
spoken use this about something that is good enough but not especially good: · The children made the cakes. I hope they're all right.· "What did you think of the movie?" "Oh, it was OK - nothing special."· This book is OK for beginners but it's not really suitable for more advanced students.
spoken use this to say that something is fairly good, and better than you expected: · "What was the food like?" "Oh, not bad - better than last time."· You know, that's not a bad idea.not too bad: · "How was the exam?" "Oh, not too bad. I think I passed."
good enough for a particular purpose, especially by being of a high enough level, amount, or quality: · Employers must provide adequate training opportunities.· Now that we have extended the hall, those small electric heaters are no longer adequate.· Make sure that the lighting is adequate so that your guests can see what they are eating.
good enough to be able to be used for a particular purpose: · We had a lot of applicants for the job but only a few of them were acceptable.· Some low-fat cheeses have quite an acceptable flavour but some taste like rubber.acceptable to: · The dispute was settled in a way that was acceptable to both sides.
good enough, but not very good: · There was some bread, a little cheese and a passable French wine.· He gave a passable imitation of Charlie Chaplin.
fairly good, but not very good: · Most of her work is of a reasonable standard.· A reasonable number of people turned up for the meeting.· We had an enjoyable weekend and the weather was quite reasonable.
a piece of work or a performance that is competent is done to a satisfactory standard but does not have any particularly good or skilful features: · Most of the essays were competent but one was really outstanding.· Ben took out his pen and produced a quick but very competent sketch of the building.
spoken of a good enough quality or standard: · I want to provide my boys with a decent education.· There isn't one decent restaurant around here.
especially spoken to be good enough for a particular purpose: · If you don't have any butter, margarine will do.· I want someone to practise first aid on. You'll do, Simon.will do somebody (=be good enough for someone): · Don't bother fetching me another chair. This one'll do me fine.
what you say to ask permission · Can I borrow your pen for a minute?· Hey Dad, can I stay at Sara's house tonight?· Can I go to the bathroom?
use this to ask someone politely if you can do something: · May I ask you a question, Mr Simmonds?· May I see your ticket, please?
use this when you are worried that what you want to do will annoy or interrupt someone else: · Is it all right if I smoke?· Do you mind if I open the window?· Would you mind if I made a call?
a lucky person if you are lucky , good things happen to you and things go well for you, because you have good luck and not because of hard work, careful planning etc: · Isn't she lucky - she can eat what she wants and she never gets fat.· There are monkeys and zebra, and if you're lucky you might see a lion.lucky to do something: · I'm lucky to live in a nice house and be married to such a nice man.lucky (that): · Arthur left the front door unlocked - we're lucky that nothing was stolen.lucky with: · Apart from the sprained ankle, I've been very lucky with injuries (=I haven't had many).think/count yourself lucky (=used to say that someone should consider themselves lucky): · He should count himself lucky not to have been blamed for the whole fiasco.
lucky, especially when you are luckier than other people. Fortunate is more formal than lucky: · David managed to escape, but the others were not so fortunate.fortunate to do something: · I am fortunate to work in a school where all the children are extremely motivated.
British informal use this about someone who is lucky to be able to do something, when you are jealous because you would like to do it: · That jammy devil Steve has got out of the washing up again.
to be lucky, especially because you get the thing that you wanted although you did not really expect to get it: · You're in luck, there are still a few tickets left.· If you like Californian wine you could be in luck - we are giving away 100 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon.
you say some people have all the luck when you are talking about someone who is always very lucky, especially when you are jealous of their good luck: · It costs a fortune to buy a Porsche - some people have all the luck.
to be lucky all the time, so that although you are often in dangerous situations, it seems that nothing can harm you: · By his own admission he had led a charmed life. He had survived a train crash when he was seventeen.
British you say it's all right for some when you think someone else is lucky because they are enjoying themselves, having an easy life etc and you are jealous of them: · You're going to Hawaii? It's all right for some!· It's all right for some. I've got to stay in and work this evening.
to be lucky because you have the chance to do something you wanted to do or something that most other people do not have the chance to do: · I went along to the audition with everyone else, and was lucky enough to get the part.· In 1957 I had the good fortune to be invited on a lecture tour of Switzerland.
to be successful or get into a good situation as a result of good luck, especially after you have been experiencing difficulty: · Nathan had a series of jobs where he wasn't happy, but this time he's really fallen on his feet.· Don't worry about Nina -- she always falls on her feet.
to be lucky because you are in a particular place when something good is offered or becomes available: · "You did well to get that contract.'' "Not really, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time.''· Being a successful news photographer is all about being in the right place at the right time.
American informal an expression meaning to be very lucky on a particular occasion: · I didn't have any idea what I was doing, but I lucked out and wound up with a good job.
food and drink that is new and still tastes good fresh food has been recently made, killed, or picked, and it still tastes good: · Fresh fish tastes completely different to fish that has been frozen.· Do you think this meat smells fresh?fresh from the oven/sea/garden: · The restaurant claims that all the vegetables used in its recipes are picked fresh from the garden every day.
spoken fresh enough to eat: · I'm not sure that these eggs are still okay.· The milk looked all right, but when I tasted it, it was horrible.okay etc to eat/drink: · It's been kept in the refrigerator, so it should still be okay to eat.
to make somebody feel less sad to make someone feel happier when they are disappointed or sad about something: · Is there anything we can do to cheer you up?· She failed her test, so I'm taking her out to cheer her up.
to make someone feel less upset by being kind to them and telling them not to worry: · Bill stroked her hair gently, trying to comfort her.· We did our best to comfort him, but he was obviously very upset.
spoken say this to tell someone to stop feeling disappointed or sad and try to be more cheerful: · Cheer up, Phil! It's only a game, and you can't win every time.· Cheer up! It's not the end of the world.
spoken say this to make someone feel calmer or make them stop crying, when they are very upset and worried about something: · It's all right, honey, I'm here now.
what you say to someone when they thank you spoken · "Thanks for the lift!" "Oh, don't mention it!"
informal spoken · "Thank you so much for looking after the children." "That's all right. I enjoyed having them."
especially American, spoken · "Thanks a lot." "You're welcome!"
formal spoken · "It was very good of you to sing for us at such short notice." "My pleasure!"· "Thanks for dinner" "Not at all - I enjoyed it".
spoken say this when someone has thanked you a lot for something you have done because they think it was very difficult for you to do: · "You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble, you know!" "Oh, think nothing of it."· "Thank you for all your help. I couldn't have done it without you." "Don't mention it. It was nothing."
informal spoken say this to show that what someone has thanked you for was really a very easy thing for you to do: · "Thank you for coming all the way out here." "No problem, lady."
American spoken used as a reply to someone who has thanked you for something: · "Thanks for the ride." "Sure, no problem."
what you say to tell someone not to worry · "Don't worry, there's plenty of food for anyone who wants to come."don't worry about · "Don't worry about me -- I'll be fine," said Billie.· Don't worry about it. You can pay me back tomorrow.
also it's/everything's ok use this to try to make someone feel better when they are worrying: · It's all right, honey, don't cry.· It'll all be over soon, and everything's going to be ok.
use this to tell someone that there is no reason to worry: there's/it's nothing to worry about: · It's just a simple check-up. There's nothing to worry about.somebody has nothing to worry about: · You're a bright girl, and you've got nothing to worry about, as long as you finish all your assignments.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Are you feeling all right? The kids seem to be getting on all right at school. Tony was worried about the meeting but it went all right (=happened with no problems). Don’t worry, it’ll turn out all right. We’ll eat at eight. Does that sound all right to you? ‘Thanks for all your help!’ ‘That’s quite all right.’ ‘I get eight weeks’ holiday a year.‘ ’Well, it’s all right for some.'
Are you feeling all right? The kids seem to be getting on all right at school. Tony was worried about the meeting but it went all right (=happened with no problems). Don’t worry, it’ll turn out all right. We’ll eat at eight. Does that sound all right to you? ‘Thanks for all your help!’ ‘That’s quite all right.’ ‘I get eight weeks’ holiday a year.‘ ’Well, it’s all right for some.'PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► I’m all right Jack► it’ll be all right on the night► it’s/that’s all right
1good satisfactory, but not excellent SYN okay: - But if it's all right for wives to have this status, then it's all right for cohabitees too.
- It's all right for you.
- Anyway, I did all right.
- He did all right in that Navy movie, whatever it was.
- Wow, so you guys must do all right then, him?
- It's all right. Mommy's here now.
- I think it's all right.
- I will do the opposite, if it's all right by you-and always be glad you came.
- It's all right but he prefers Cabanaconda.
- It's all right, my darling, Mrs Jourdelay's driving us.
- Now, Benny, it's all right.
‘What’s the food like?’ ‘It’s all right, but the place on campus is better.’ ‘How’s school going, Steve?’ ‘Oh, all right, I guess.’2no problems not ill, hurt, or upset or not having any problems SYN okay: Kate looks really unhappy – I’d better make sure she’s all right. Are you feeling all right? The kids seem to be getting on all right at school. Tony was worried about the meeting but it went all right (=happened with no problems). Don’t worry, it’ll turn out all right.3do all right (for yourself/herself etc) to be successful in your job, life etc: She’s doing all right – she’s got a job with Microsoft.4suitable used to say whether something is suitable or convenient SYN okayall right with/by/for Is Thursday morning all right with you? We’ll eat at eight. Does that sound all right to you?5it’s all right used to make someone feel less afraid or worried: It’s all right, Mommy’s here.6it’s/that’s all right used to reply to someone who thanks you or says they are sorry about something: ‘Thanks for all your help!’ ‘That’s quite all right.’7permission used to ask or give permission for something SYN okay: Would it be all right if I left early?be all right to do something Is it all right to bring my dog?8agreement used to agree with someone’s suggestion, although you may be slightly unwilling SYN okay: ‘Why not come along?’ ‘Oh, all right.’9understanding [sentence adverb] used to check that someone understands what you have said, or to show that you understand SYN okay: I’ll leave a key with the neighbours, all right? ‘The train leaves at 5.30.’ ‘All right, I’m coming!’10threaten used when asking in a threatening or angry way what someone’s intentions are SYN okay: All right, you two. What are you doing in my room?11change/end subject used to introduce a new subject or to end a conversation SYN okay: All right, now I’d like to introduce our first speaker.12it’s all right for somebody British English informal used to say that someone else does not have the problems that you have, or that you are jealous because someone else is luckier than you: ‘I get eight weeks’ holiday a year.‘ ’Well, it’s all right for some.'13emphasize informal used to emphasize that you are certain about something: ‘Are you sure it was Bill?’ ‘Oh, yes, it was him all right.’14happy American English informal used to say you are happy about something you have just been told: You passed? All right!15like British English used to describe someone you like or approve of: ‘The new boss isn’t too bad, is she?’ ‘No, she’s all right.’16greeting especially British English informal used as a greeting when you meet someone you know well, or reply to a greeting: ‘How are you, John?’ ‘Oh, all right – can’t complain.’17I’m all right Jack British English informal used to describe someone’s attitude when they do not care about other people as long as they themselves are happy, comfortable etc18it’ll be all right on the night British English informal used to say that something will be successful, even though there have been lots of problems: Workmen have yet to finish the new complex, but the organisers are confident it will be all right on the night. → a bit of all right at bit1(12)