all intents and purposes

- A redundant phrase, created for emphasis.

See also related terms for purposes.

References in classic literature

On the spires of some old-fashioned churches you will see sheet-iron whales placed there for weather-cocks; but they are so elevated, and besides that are to all intents and purposes so labelled with Hands off!

View in context

For all intents and purposes, a simultaneous death had occurred and an undue windfall could have been realized by the taxpayer had a credit been allowed using mortality tables in light of the clear facts and circumstances.

Cases and rulings on the marital deduction, and miscellaneous estate and trust issues

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