All hands and the cook vs All the world and his wife

All hands and the cook—

1. (Nautical) everybody on the ship.

• Martin threw on the engine, while all hands and the cook sprang to take in sail.

2. everyone from a particular group of people who can possibly contribute.

• Soon he was rearing his family, and all hands and the cook were busy as bees in caring for the home.

Cf.: all-hands meeting—a mandatory meeting for all employees called by the management.

• Bob called an allhands meeting this afternoon. It’s never a good sign…

All the world and his wife—(also: every man and his dog ) lots of people; everyone of importance.

• All the world and his wife were there, so, of course, Dame Margery went also.