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to be all things to all people
01
to continuously change one's attitudes or opinions in order to please people
What is the origin of the idiom "be all things to all people" and when to use it?
The idiom "be all things to all people" has a biblical origin, found in the New Testament, Corinthians 9:22: "I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." In this context, it means being adaptable and accommodating to different individuals and groups to achieve a common goal. In contemporary usage, it is often used to describe someone who tries to please everyone or fit into various social or professional situations, even if it means being inconsistent or insincere.
Example
The marketing team attempted to create a product that was all things to all people, but it ended up lacking a clear target audience.
There is little point in being all things to all people at all times.
You can't be all things to all men, so focus on being authentic and true to your values.
He's always trying to be all things to all people, and as a result, he often comes across as insincere.
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