The phrase "whole shooting matches" refers to a complete or comprehensive situation, event, or undertaking, often with a negative connotation. It is an idiomatic expression used to describe a series of related activities or elements that constitute a unified whole or entity.
The term "shooting matches" originally referred to contests or competitions involving firearms, such as marksmanship competitions. Over time, however, its meaning evolved to encompass a broader range of situations.
When used figuratively, "whole shooting matches" implies that the encompassing situation or event involves a multitude of interconnected and complex elements, leading to a greater level of difficulty, effort, or chaos. It suggests that the entirety of the situation or event, rather than just parts of it, must be dealt with or resolved.
The phrase can imply a sense of burden or overwhelming responsibility, as it often suggests that one must handle or manage all the components of a challenging or problematic situation. It emphasizes the notion of dealing with the entirety of a situation rather than just individual components. Consequently, the term is often used to convey a sense of frustration or exasperation towards the complexity or difficulties associated with a particular task or circumstance.
In summary, "whole shooting matches" refers to a complete and intricate situation or event, potentially involving multiple interconnected elements or tasks, and typically conveys a sense of complexity, difficulty, or frustration.
