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Dictionary

Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.

whole ball of wax en · NOUN

Pronunciation

Meanings

  1. (idiomatic, slang) The entire or overall plan, concept or action.
    • Of course I have to take a little advantage. After all, I'm the guy who puts the thing together—the whole ball of wax. 1976 September, Saul Bellow, Humboldt’s Gift, New York, N.Y.: Avon Books, →ISBN, page 380:
    • In my opinion the whole ball of wax depends on what she'll say.
    • The whole ball of wax will be viewed in 5 minutes.
  2. (idiomatic, slang) Everything of a similar or related nature; everything necessary for a particular purpose.
    • We've got pots, pans, the food and cooking utensils—the whole ball of wax.

Synonyms

the works · the whole bang shoot · everything under the sun · everytang · everything but the galley stove · whole ball of wax · kit and caboodle · whole smash · lock · whole shooting match · whole enchilada · whole shitting match · whole hog · stock and barrel · the whole nine yards · whole package · line and sinker · everything but the kitchen sink · hook · bag and baggage · all the marbles · whole shebang · whole kit and caboodle · full monty