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Root and branch

adj, adv

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Total, thorough, sweeping, complete, radical, drastic. not-comparable

    "When, in 1872, Sir Charles Dilke once more returned to the charge in the House of Commons, introducing a motion for a full enquiry into the Queen's expenditure with a view to a root and branch reform of the Civil List, […]"

Adverb
  1. 1
    Totally, completely. not-comparable

    ""I can't help coming, sir," continued Mrs. Parker. "Where am I to go if I don't come? Mr. Lopez, sir, has ruined us root and branch,—root and branch.""

Etymology

Etymology 1

From the Bible. Used as a title for the Root and Branch petition presented to the Long Parliament on December 11, 1640.

Etymology 2

From the Bible. Used as a title for the Root and Branch petition presented to the Long Parliament on December 11, 1640.

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