Oxford Dictionary 4 ✮ | UPDATED |

Used to indicate privacy, confidentiality, or the intimate space of one’s own home or a specific room.

To be in exact analogy or agreement with something else. “This case is not on all fours with the previous ruling.”

Supporting one’s body on hands and knees. “The toddler crawled on all fours.” oxford dictionary 4

This phrase creates an immediate sense of a closed system. Use it in writing when you want to contrast the public world (outside) with a private truth (inside). It’s far more evocative than simply saying “privately.” 3. The Logical Connector: “On all fours” This one often confuses learners because it has two very different meanings:

“A free and independent fourth estate is essential to democracy.” Used to indicate privacy, confidentiality, or the intimate

The legal use is a gift for persuasive writing. Instead of saying “this is similar to that,” saying “this is on all fours with that” declares a perfect, structural match. It’s precise and authoritative. 4. The Journalist’s Rule: “The Fourth Estate” No discussion of four is complete without this gem.

“What is said within these four walls stays here.” “The toddler crawled on all fours

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