it takes all kinds to make a world
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English
[edit]Alternative forms
[edit]- it takes all kinds
- it takes all sorts
- it takes all sorts to make a world
- it takes all types
- it takes all types to make a world
Etymology
[edit]Calque of Spanish de todos ha de haber en el mundo (“There must be of all [types] in the world”), Miguel de Cervantes, El ingenioso caballero Don Quijote de la Mancha, Capítulo VI, 1615 (Don Quixote, Volume 2, Chapter VI); translated 1620, Shelton, as "In the world there must surely be of all sorts." and appeared in various forms thereafter.
Pronunciation
[edit]Audio (General Australian): (file)
Proverb
[edit]it takes all kinds to make a world
- (idiomatic) Diversity is essential: the world would be incomplete if everyone were alike; an expression of surprise at a person or people's eccentricity.
- He irons his clothes how?! That's crazy! Well, I guess it takes all kinds to make a world.
Usage notes
[edit]It takes all kinds and its variants generally express amazement about a difference, while sayings such as different strokes for different folks and variety is the spice of life generally connote acceptance of that difference.
Translations
[edit]Diversity is essential
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