Quote
1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.
“We all think there is a formula, but as long as we love our children, that’s really the only solid thing I know that works across the board.”
- Actress Jada Pinkett Smith talking about parenting. (Hollywood Actress)
Definition
1. Definition - Study the definition.
in all ways; including everything or everyone
2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.
From sports like baseball and basketball to card games like poker, Americans love their games. So it’s not surprising that a lot of American idioms come from games. We wouldn’t be able to step up to the plate or call something a wild card without games.
Across the board is one of these. If a game is equal across the board, it means that all the players or teams have an equal number of points. But you can use across the board to talk about other things besides games. Across the board means in all ways, or for everyone.
The actress Jada Pinkett Smith uses across the board to talk about raising kids. She says that when it comes to being a parent, the only thing that works across the board is loving your kids. Different parenting strategies might work for different people, but love works for everybody. It works across the board.
Can you think of any other idioms that come from games? What is your favorite way to spend time, across the board?
Examples
1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.
“John Stockton may be short, but he’s a great basketball player across the board.”
“My city banned cutting down trees. Not just in certain areas, but across the board.”
“Wesley is the best student at school across the board.”