Learning English Conversations
Jul 28, 2026 · 3 min · 5 segments
This expression was originally just about clothes, but it now it can mean anything that doesn't consider individual needs. Learn how to use this expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a…
I've got the new team T-shirts.
Have this one.
They're, um, they're one size fits all.
But this is enormous.
One size fits all? I'm not sure it does.
Okay, but it does help us tell people about the expression one size fits all.
It sounds like something you would use to talk about clothes.
Yes, and that's where it comes from.
Clothes are sometimes sold as one size fits all.
It's sold as one size, and it's supposed to fit everyone.
Well, I'm not sure it works for these T-shirts, but I can imagine it working for something like a hat.
We don't just use it to talk about clothes, do we?
No, we don't.
It's become more general.
One size fits all is often used to describe a way of doing something where everyone is treated in the same way.
A training program for a company might be described as one size fits all.
Everyone does the same training.
A one size fits all approach to problem-solving means trying to solve every problem the same way.
Yes, and in the same way that one size fits all clothes don't always fit everyone, this expression is sometimes used negatively.
We might describe something as one size fits all to suggest that it ignores the needs of individuals or a particular situation.
Let's hear some more people using the expression one size fits all.
[upbeat music]
Me and my cousin are such different people.
I mean, I always try to find creative ways to deal with problems, but he always takes a one size fits all kind of approach.
I need to order some new computer software for the office.
I've got the new team T-shirts.
Have this one.
They're, um, they're one size fits all.
But this is enormous.
One size fits all? I'm not sure it does.
Okay, but it does help us tell people about the expression one size fits all.
It sounds like something you would use to talk about clothes.
Yes, and that's where it comes from.
Clothes are sometimes sold as one size fits all.
It's sold as one size, and it's supposed to fit everyone.
Well, I'm not sure it works for these T-shirts, but I can imagine it working for something like a hat.
We don't just use it to talk about clothes, do we?
No, we don't.
It's become more general.
One size fits all is often used to describe a way of doing something where everyone is treated in the same way.
A training program for a company might be described as one size fits all.
Everyone does the same training.
A one size fits all approach to problem-solving means trying to solve every problem the same way.
Yes, and in the same way that one size fits all clothes don't always fit everyone, this expression is sometimes used negatively.
We might describe something as one size fits all to suggest that it ignores the needs of individuals or a particular situation.
Let's hear some more people using the expression one size fits all.
[upbeat music]
Me and my cousin are such different people.
I mean, I always try to find creative ways to deal with problems, but he always takes a one size fits all kind of approach.
I need to order some new computer software for the office.
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