all but

all but

1. Everything or everyone, with the exclusion of. All but the freshmen were invited to the party. We sold all but the curtains in that estate sale.
2. Nearly. Public pay phones have all but disappeared in most major cities.
See also: all, but
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

all but

Almost, nearly, as in I've all but finished the book. This expression was used by Andrew Marvell in "Thoughts in a Garden": " Society is all but rude, To this delicious solitude." [Late 1500s]
See also: all, but
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

ˈall but


1 almost: The snow all but covered the path, making it difficult to walk. The patient was all but dead when the doctor arrived.
2 all (the people or things mentioned) except...: ‘Have you done your homework?’ ‘Yes, all but the last two questions.’
See also: all, but
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

all but

Nearly; almost: all but crying with relief.
See also: all, but
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • curtain
  • be glued to (something)
  • be glued to something
  • to oneself
  • to yourself, himself, etc.
  • bluff (one's) way into (something)
  • filter through
  • filter through (something)
  • on the outside looking in
  • on the outside, looking in