root-and-branch

adjective

1. on a large scale or without discrimination; wholesale

   root-and-branch reforms

adverb

1. entirely; completely; utterly

   Brazil needs reform root and branch

Idioms and Phrases

Utterly, completely, as in The company has been transformed root and branch by the new management . Alluding to both the underground and aboveground parts of a tree, this idiom was first recorded in 1640.

Example Sentences

The government has set up an Independent Water Commission to lead a "root-and-branch" review into the industry.

From BBC

So, on that basis, wide-ranging legislation on root-and-branch reform of the Lords would be non-starter as a priority - as it would get bogged down quickly and deprive other measures of parliamentary time.

From BBC

She added: "Despite inquiry after inquiry, apology after apology and a slew of litigation, neither the NHS or the government appear willing to tackle the real issue - a root-and-branch rethink of what young mothers and families want at one of the most stressful points in their lives. A statutory public inquiry would hopefully secure this once and for all."

From BBC

Elsewhere at the conference, Sir Ed said his party would seek "root-and-branch" reform of the UK's post-Brexit relationship with the EU rather than "tinkering around the edges" of the existing deal.

From BBC

And because of its hallowed status as a national treasure, any efforts at root-and-branch change quickly run up against political resistance.

From New York Times