1. despite what happened or was the situation before.

Now that I know what upset you, maybe we can figure out how to work together after all.

Usage notes: used to emphasize a change

2. because of the reason given.

We were very afraid—after all, he was armed.

Usage notes: used to emphasize a fact with the hope that others will accept it

• Mind step.
• mind the store
• the top of the line
• the top of the tree
• the trouble with
• the trouble with someone
• the trouble with something
• the twilight zone
• the upper crust
• the villain of the piece
• the way things are
• the way things are going
• the wheel has come full circle.
• the wheel has turned full circle.
• the wheels are turning
• the whole ball of wax
• the whole bit
• the whole caboodle
• the whole enchilada
• the whole kaboodle
• the whole kit and caboodle
• the whole nine yards
• the whole picture
• the whole shebang
• the whole shooting match