up hill and down dale

Across all terrain

Up hill and down dale means everywhere, thoroughly, or over a wide area—emphasizing the effort of covering varied terrain.

The phrase suggests persistent movement through difficult or changing conditions: We searched up hill and down dale for the missing dog.

It can also describe talking at length or repeatedly: She's been complaining up hill and down dale about the new policy.

Opposites

extent of coverage

up hill and down dalenowhere

Not at any place

path directness

up hill and down daleas the crow flies

Direct distance, ignoring terrain

thoroughness of coverage

up hill and down dalecursorily

In a hasty, surface-level manner

Family