till / until all hours (of the day and night)

/tˈɪl ʌntˈɪl ˈɔːl ˈaʊəz ɒvðə dˈeɪ and nˈaɪt/

/tˈɪl ʌntˈɪl ˈɔːl ˈaɪʊɹz ʌvðə dˈeɪ ænd nˈaɪt/

[phrase]

[PHRASE]

used to refer to a really late hour at night or early morning

What is the origin of the idiom "all hours" and when to use it?

The idiom "till all hours" has its origin in the concept of timekeeping and the practice of measuring time in hours. It suggests a late or extended period during the night or early morning when most people are asleep. The phrase "till all hours" implies staying awake and active long past the usual bedtime or working hours. It is used to emphasize the length of time or dedication someone exhibits while engaged in an activity, whether it's working, partying, studying, or simply staying awake for an extended period.

Examples

1. Johnny keeps taking the car and staying out till all hours, and I just don't know what to do anymore!

2. My boyfriend lives in another state, so to make up for the long distance, we stay up talking till all hours of the day and night.

3. My boyfriend lives in another state, so to make up for the long distance, we stay up talking till all hours of the day and night.

4. And then sometimes, particularly if I've been out of the office, or excuse me, away from home for a long time because of the intensity of these crises and having meetings in the Situation Room till all hours of the night.