Root and branch
Meaning
To do something root and branch means to do it completely, fundamentally, and thoroughly, affecting every single part or aspect.
Origin
Imagine a stubborn weed or a diseased tree. To get rid of it completely, you can't just snip off the leaves or branches; you have to pull it out of the ground, taking the entire root system with it. This vivid agricultural image of total eradication or complete reform gained significant political momentum during the English Civil War. In 1640, a famous petition, known as the "Root and Branch Petition," was presented to Parliament, demanding the absolute abolition of episcopacy—the system of church government by bishops. The petitioners believed the entire structure was corrupt and needed to be uprooted entirely, not merely pruned. This powerful metaphor for decisive, total change resonated deeply and cemented "root and branch" into the English language as a shorthand for fundamental transformation.
Examples
- The new administration promised to reform the corrupt system root and branch, leaving no stone unturned in their efforts.
- To address the company's declining sales, they decided to revamp their marketing strategy root and branch, starting with a complete rebranding.