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Gtivan Posted 22 years ago
Vocabulary

All present and accounted for

Can anyone tell me, what is the meaning of this expression ?

Thanks
  

Top answer

Everyone either is here or the reason for their absence is known.

— Mister Micawber

  • Everyone either is here or the reason for their absence is known.
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4 Answers
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Everyone either is here or the reason for their absence is known.
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The correct phrase, at least as used in the US Military is "All present OR accounted for" not '...AND accounted for'. Either the entire squad (group, platoon, whatever is being reported), is present, OR those that are not present are accounted for (their location is known). If one or more is NOT accounted for that too would be reported.
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My understanding is that the Britisih military use the 'and' version. It's traditional.

Look here.
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/all+present+and+accounted+for
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It's actually: "All personnel are present OR accounted for" (emphasis mine. Means all members are either present at roll call or, if absent, are accounted for (IOW: we KNOW where they are. AKA: they are not "missing.")
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