after all

1. Despite everything, nevertheless, as in The plane took off half an hour late but landed on time after all .

2. After everything else has been considered, ultimately, as in Mary has final approval of the guest list; after all, it's her wedding . The two usages are pronounced differently, the first giving stress to the word after and the second to the word all . Both date from the early 1700s. Also see when all is said and done .