the world and his wife
US /ðə wɜːrld ænd hɪz waɪf/
UK /ðə wɜːrld ænd hɪz waɪf/
1.
Jan en alleman, iedereen
a very large number of people; everyone
:
•
When the new store opened, the world and his wife were there.
Toen de nieuwe winkel opende, was Jan en alleman daar.
•
Don't tell anyone, or soon the world and his wife will know.
Vertel het niemand, anders weet Jan en alleman het binnenkort.