the world and his wife

the world and his wife

A large number or a majority of people. The world and his wife are going to be at the wedding this July. I hope I can make it too.See also: and, wife, world

the world and his wife

everyone; a large number of people. British This expression is first recorded in Jonathan Swift 's Polite Conversation ( 1738 ).See also: and, wife, world

(all) the ˌworld and his ˈwife

(informal) everyone; a large number of people: The world and his wife was in Brighton that day.See also: and, wife, world