Every Nook and Cranny – Meaning & Origin

When you hear someone say nook and cranny, what comes to mind? Perhaps the forgotten corners of your grandmother’s attic or the mysterious recesses of an old, creaky house. This delightful phrase paints vivid imagery, and you’re about to learn all about it. Let’s explore every nook and cranny of this idiom, shall we?

What Is a Nook and Cranny?

A nook is a corner or recess in a room, and a cranny is a small, narrow opening or hole. Think of the space behind a piece of furniture or the crack in a wall where dust bunnies may reside. But when we use the phrase nook and cranny, we’re not talking about dusty corners or hidden hideaways. We are referring to every part or aspect of something, especially in the context of a thorough search or exploration.

I once lost my favorite shirt while on vacation, and I told my husband to search every nook and cranny of our hotel room, or I wouldn’t be flying back to Canada!

Nook and Cranny Meaning Explained

Nook and cranny means every part of a place, every aspect of a situation or every detail of a matter. If you search every nook and cranny of your house, you’re not leaving a single corner unturned. You’re exploring every possible place, down to the tiniest detail. Likewise, if you understand every nook and cranny of a concept, you’re familiar with all its parts, aspects or details.

Origin of Nook and Cranny

The individual words nook and cranny have been part of the English language since the 14th century. But they started being used together in the phrase nook and cranny in the late 17th century. Both words have a similar meaning, referring to a small, secluded or hidden place. When used together, they emphasize the concept of thoroughness or completeness.

Synonyms for Nooks and Crannies

Here are a few other ways to express this same sentiment. 

• Every inch
• Every bit
• Every corner
• Every aspect
• Every detail

Nook and Cranny Examples in a Sentence

• The detectives searched every nook and cranny for clues.
• I’ve explored every nook and cranny of this city.
• He knows every nook and cranny of this software program.
• The cleaning service promised to clean every nook and cranny of the house.
• She understands every nook and cranny of the business plan.
• The cat found a mouse hiding in a nook and cranny.
• The kids love to explore every nook and cranny of the park.
• I’ve searched every nook and cranny but can’t find my car keys.
• This guidebook covers every nook and cranny of the local history.
• They examined every nook and cranny of the contract before signing it.

Signing Off

As you’ve now discovered, the phrase nook and cranny is all about detail and thoroughness. Whether it’s exploring a place, understanding a concept or searching for something, if you’re delving into every nook and cranny, you’re leaving no stone unturned.