All over the waterfront

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Keroro  #315831  Tue, 16 Jan 07 08:23 AM

hi, what is the meaning of "all over the waterfront" in this paragraph?

Far too often evangelical Christians decry the paucity of moral values in this country and seek structural change. This may take the form of legislative action to bar certain kinds of medical procedures, or it may simply be idle talk about the need for prayer in the public schools. While these are not wrong-headed, they are incomplete answers. Ron Sider points out that evangelicals are "all over the waterfront" on these issues. Evangelicals are zealous conservatives when attacking programs they do not like, arguing for limited government. "Then, when the issues change to abortion, euthanasia, and pornography, the same people loudly demand vigorous government action."

Thank you!

  
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Annvan  #315834  Tue, 16 Jan 07 09:06 AM
I'm not sure but this looks like it's based on the (American) idiom "cover the waterfront" - which means to talk about every part of a subject, or to deal with every part of a job.

There's another phrase "all over the place" which refers to something being completely disorganised or confused.

So... "all over the waterfront" probably means talking about every part of a subject but in a very disorganised way.
  
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Marius Hancu  #315893  Tue, 16 Jan 07 01:29 PM
I think Annvan has cornered this subject, she's all over itSmile [:)]
  
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