言わずと言わず (wazuto wazu)
No matter whether it is one or the other; in every place; the whole, leaving nothing out
Meaning & usage
言わずと言わず follows a noun repeated twice (Aと言わずBと言わず) and emphasizes that something holds true across all the items mentioned, with no exceptions. It often lists body parts or places to convey 'everywhere', or contrasting categories to mean 'whether A or B'. The tone is emphatic and literary.
Example sentences 4
-
彼女の家は庭と言わずと言わず花でいっぱいだった。
Her garden was filled with flowers everywhere, leaving no spot out.
-
台風の後、街と言わずと言わず瓦礫が散らばっていた。
After the typhoon, debris was scattered all over the town.
-
祖父の部屋は棚と言わずと言わず古い本が積まれていた。
In my grandfather's room, old books were piled up everywhere.
-
祭りの日、町と言わずと言わず提灯が飾られていた。
On the festival day, lanterns were hung up all around the town.