every which way

Meaning: In all directions, in disorder.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “The wind blew the papers every which way across the parking lot.”

Category: Daily Life

Origin: An American colloquialism from the 19th century, apparently blending "every way" and "which way."

Equivalents in other languages

long time no see — A friendly greeting to someone one has not seen for a long time.
a Judas kiss — An act of apparent friendship that hides betrayal.
the ball is in your court — It is now your turn to act or decide.
all hands on deck — Everyone is needed to help right now.
pick holes in — To find small faults in something, often unfairly.
take someone down a peg — To make an arrogant person more humble.

a Tower of Babel — A noisy scene where many people speak different languages, or a confusion of voices.
a banana republic — A small, politically unstable country dominated by a corrupt elite or foreign business.
go under the knife — To have a surgical operation.
you can take the boy out of the country, but you can't take the country out of the boy — People keep the habits and character of where they grew up.
go to Canossa — To humble oneself and submit to an opponent.
a captain of industry — A powerful business leader who runs a major company.

On painting and fighting look aloof off. — Maintaining distance reveals flaws invisible up close; premature judgment spoils both art…
Pardon all men, but never thyself. — Holding yourself to stricter standards than others builds personal integrity through self…
Study to be worthy of your parents. — Striving for excellence honors those who raised you and validates their investment in you…