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Pastsimple Posted 15 years ago
Grammar

Everyone who's anyone

Hello,

this one has been bugging me for ages (but I was too lazy to ask):

I have a map of London from Madame Tussaud's (which I've never visited Emotion: smile). The cover of the map is, of course, advertising the wax museum. It reads:

Everyone who's anyone is seen in Baker Street.

Why the anyone? If this were a question in a test, I'd definitely go for the word someone.

Could you please explain the use of anyonein this sentence? Emotion: smile
  

Top answer

Hi, 'Everyone who is anyone' is a standard, fixed phrase that means 'all the people who are important'. Clive

— Clive

  • Hi, 'Everyone who is anyone' is a standard, fixed phrase that means 'all the people who are important'.
  • Clive
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3 Answers
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Hi,

'Everyone who is anyone' is a standard, fixed phrase that means 'all the people who are important'.

Clive
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But if I wanted to emphasize that one particular person is important, I would use someone:

Kelly is really someone.

Or is that just an interference from my mother tongue?
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Hi,

Yes, that sounds OK, except I think I'd say 'Kelly is really somebody'.

I might add 'Kelly is really somebody special'.

Clive
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