The phrase "having all marbles" is often used to describe someone who is in full possession of their mental faculties. The spelling of the phrase is straightforward, with the word "having" pronounced /ˈhævɪŋ/ and the word "all" pronounced /ɔːl/. The word "marbles" is pronounced /ˈmɑːrbəlz/ and refers to the small spherical objects used in games or toys. The phrase is thought to have originated from the game of marbles, where players need to keep track of all their marbles to win.
Having all marbles is an idiomatic expression used to describe someone who is mentally stable, rational, and possesses sound judgment. The phrase is derived from the game of marbles and refers to having all of one's marbles together, which signifies having all of one's mental faculties intact.
When a person is said to have all marbles, it implies that they are not suffering from any cognitive or psychological impairments. They have a clear and logical mind, able to think and make decisions sensibly. Such an individual is capable of expressing coherent thoughts, maintaining a lucid conversation, and grasping situations accurately.
Furthermore, someone who has all marbles is perceived as having a firm grasp on reality, distinguishing between fact and fiction. They are unlikely to exhibit signs of confusion, disorientation, or delusional thinking.
The phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to reassure or vouch for someone's mental functioning. For instance, if an individual is described as having all their marbles, it implies that they can be trusted, relied upon, and are mentally competent.
Overall, "having all marbles" is an idiomatic expression used metaphorically to highlight an individual's mental stability, rationality, and ability to think clearly.