Pronunciation: [tˈe͡ɪks ˈɔːl] (IPA) 
The phrase "takes all" is commonly used to describe a winner-takes-all scenario. The spelling of this phrase is relatively straightforward, with each word being spelled phonetically based on its pronunciation. "Takes" is spelled /teɪks/, with the long "a" sound and the "ks" ending. "All" is spelled /ɔl/, with the "a" sound closer to an "o" and the silent "l" at the end. When pronounced together, the phrase is spoken as /teɪks ɔl/.
Takes all is a phrase frequently used in informal language to refer to a situation or activity where one person or team achieves complete victory or dominance, leaving no room for others to succeed. It is commonly employed in competitive contexts, such as sports, games, or business ventures, to describe an outcome where someone or something has claimed all the available rewards or benefits.
In these contexts, takes all implies that the winner takes possession or control of everything at stake, leaving nothing for others. It signifies a comprehensive and overwhelming achievement, often indicating a complete and decisive triumph over opponents or competitors.
The phrase can also be used metaphorically in non-competitive situations, suggesting that someone has secured all the available advantages or benefits from a particular endeavor or circumstance. This may occur in situations where an individual or entity has successfully gained complete control, power, or authority, leaving others with no share or influence in the matter.
Overall, takes all denotes a scenario where there is no sharing, compromise, or distribution of rewards or outcomes, but rather a complete dominance and appropriation by a single entity or individual. It conveys the idea of exclusivity, leaving no room for others to contend or gain any portion of the rewards or benefits.
The phrase "takes all" originates from English and its etymology is fairly straightforward. Let me break it down for you:
- "Take" comes from the Old English word "tacan", meaning "to get hold of, lay hold of, seize, catch hold of, grasp, obtain, acquire". It evolved over time to its present form.
- "All" comes from the Old English word "eall", which meant "the whole quantity or extent of, the total, totality, everything". It is still used to convey a similar meaning.
When combined, "takes all" essentially means the action of seizing or obtaining everything or the whole quantity. This phrase is commonly used to describe a situation where one person or entity acquires or wins everything in a given context or competition.
