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Dave_anon Posted 13 years ago
Vocabulary

WBOW

Hi

I can't recall when I last asked a question on EF, but here is one

At the pub quiz, a question was: WBOW - the entire thing

The answer, apparently, is whole ball of wax. Never heard of such a thing!

Can anyone tell me about this phrase? Does it refer to a particular industry or occupation or household practice?

Best wishes to you all, as ever

Dave
  

Top answer

This might help explain the meaning. htm

— Philip

  • This might help explain the meaning.
  • htm
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4 Answers
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Thanks Philip - that was really quick!

So in UK English it's probably linked to bailiff and being out on bail - but the bailiwick is the area of jurisdiction. If you know your bailiwick, you know your whole ball of wax

Thanks for that

Dave
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There are other similar expressions:

The whole nine yards
The whole kit and caboodle
The whole shebang
The whole enchilada
The whole shooting match
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Thanks for those, Alphecca

I've been trying to think of a UK equivalent. I think it may be "the full Monty" although the film, if you know it, has rather taken over the meaning of that phrase

Best regards

Dave
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