Be all the world to somebody Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Intensity Suggests deep emotional connection, not just general importance. After the rescue, the firefighter was all the world to the family. Pro Tip 2/3Hyperbolic Expression It's often used to exaggerate feelings metaphorically, not to be taken literally. To the smitten poet, his muse was all the world to him. Pro Tip 3/3Personal Importance Shows unique personal value, rather than public or financial value. For the lonely sailor, his ship was all the world to him.