Meaning: An expression used when giving an example of an especially great or intense event.

Examples:

It was the mother of all weddings – it was at a castle, and there were over 500 guests.

Today’s English test was the mother of all English tests because it was so long and difficult.

He said he wanted to make his birthday party the mother of all birthday parties – a birthday party no one would ever forget.

Pop Quiz:

Which best describes the mother of all shopping trips?

A.  Buying a few things on sale at a couple stores.

B.  Spending about seventy-five dollars at one store.

C.  Going to a dozen different stores and spending over two thousand dollars.

To see the correct answer, click on “Continue reading”:

The correct answer is C. Just going to one or two stores and not spending a lot couldn’t be called the mother of all shopping trips. Only C qualifies as great or intense – that is, spending a lot of time and a lot of money. Unless you’re rich, of course.