⚖️ All Other Things (Else) Being Equal: The Level-Playing Field of Idioms 🌍
Definition: Given the same circumstances. Essentially, it’s the idea that comparing two situations is fair only if all other influential factors remain unchanged—basically, when everything else is constant. A pivotal piece of reasoning in economics, philosophy, and the realm of daily decision-making.
Synonyms:
- Ceteris Paribus (Latin origins)
- Assuming all else is held constant
- With everything else being equal
Antonyms:
- In altogether different circumstances
- Under differing conditions
Humor-Filled Quotes:
- “All other things being equal, I’d rather be bowling.” — Assumed Eric Partridge,if he had a sense of humor.
- “Given ceteris paribus, or as my patience says, if elephants could dance on a string, I’d consider this task.” — W. T. Wittywords
Proverbs:
- “Change the wind, change the sails but compare an apple and a snail – such comparisons often fail.”
- “In balancing scales, let all weights be known.”
Examples in Literature, Books, Songs, and Movies:
- “History of England” by Thomas Babington Macaulay: A historical context set within the idiom’s usage.
- “Economics Principles in a Nutshell” by Charles Nudge: Unveiling how ‘ceteris paribus’ is vital for economic reasoning.
- Lyrics from “Black and White” by Parity Pop could be humorous if written: “In a world where all things equal, even see-saws pause, they stall.”
- Movie ‘Fair Play’ starring Even Stephen and Equal Tee Varbor, where every decision folds down to comparing constant parameters.
Farewell Thought: In striving for fairness or making the right comparisons, remember: quoting context or leveling fields leads us to quasi-objectivity, although personal biases may knock us askew. Balance it with semantics!
### What is the root language of "all other things being equal"?
- [x] Latin
- [ ] Greek
- [ ] German
- [ ] French
> **Explanation:** The phrase originates from the Latin "ceteris paribus," a common term in economics and philosophy.
### Which of these phrases is synonymous with "all other things being equal"?
- [ ] Under completely different conditions
- [ ] With no constants
- [x] Ceteris Paribus
- [ ] Considering unknown variables
> **Explanation:** "Ceteris Paribus" is the Latin equivalent meaning all other things being equal. The others state varying conditions.
### True or False: The idiom "all other things being equal" began as an English phrase.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. It began as a Latin phrase "ceteris paribus."
### Who is one of the documented authors using the phrase "all other things being equal" in the 18th/19th century?
- [ ] Charles Dickens
- [ ] Jane Austen
- [ ] Mark Twain
- [x] Thomas Babington Macaulay
> **Explanation:** Thomas Babington Macaulay utilized it in his *History of England*.
### Complete the quote: "In balancing scales, let all ___ be known."
- [x] weights
- [ ] matters
- [ ] questions
- [ ] answers
> **Explanation:** The correct completion is "weights." This proverb emphasizes fairness.
