most

at (the) most

no more than the amount mentioned. A: How far away is the beach? B: Ten miles at most. At the most, there were only 15 people in the audience.

at best and at most

in the most favorable view; in the most positive judgment; as the best one can say. At best we found their visit pleasantly short. The dinner was not at all pleasant. At best the food was not burned. At most there were three people in line ahead of me.

See also: best

at one's best 

1. and at its best to the utmost; to the highest degree possible. This restaurant serves gourmet food at its best. The singer was at her best when she performed ballads.

2. in the best of health; displaying the most civilized behavior. (Often in the negative.) He's at his best after a good nap. I'm not at my best when I'm angry.

See also: best

busiest men have the most leisure and busiest men find the most time

Prov. Industrious people get their work done efficiently and therefore have time to do what they want. Fred: How does Phil do it? He produces more than the rest of us, but he also manages to pursue all his hobbies. Alan: The busiest men have the most leisure. As the town's only doctor, Bert worked extremely hard, yet he always had time to play with his children and go out with his wife. The busiest men find the most time.

See also: busy, have, leisure, men

Empty vessels make the most sound.

Prov. Foolish people make the most noise. I suspect Amy is not very smart. She chatters constantly, and as they say, empty vessels make the most sound.

See also: empty, make, sound, vessel

First impressions are the most lasting.

Prov. People will remember the way you appear when you first meet them, so it is important to look and act your best when you meet someone for the first time. George spent two hours picking just the right clothes to wear when he met the head of the law firm, since he knew that first impressions are the most lasting.

See also: first, impression

firstest with the mostest

the earliest and in the largest numbers; the earliest with more of what's needed. Pete got the prize for being the firstest with the mostest. I always like to be there early—the firstest with the mostest.

See also: first

for the most part

mostly; in general. For the most part, the class is enjoying geometry. I like working here for the most part.

See also: part

get the most out of someone or something

to achieve the greatest output of work, effort, production, etc., out of someone or something. I do what I can to get the most out of life. I try to get the most out of my employees.

See also: get, out

make the most of something

to make something appear as good as possible; to exploit something; to get as much out of something as is possible. Mary knows how to make the most of her talents. They designed the advertisements to make the most of the product's features.

See also: make

most of all

of greatest importance; more than any other. (Compare this with least of all.) I wanted to go to that museum most of all. Why can't I go? There are many reasons why I didn't use my car today. Most of all, it's a lovely day for walking.

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Empty vessels make (the) most noise/sound.

something that you say which means that people who talk a lot and frequently express their opinions are often stupid David talks as if he's an expert on everything, but empty vessels make most noise.

See also: empty, make, noise, vessel

make the most of something

to take full advantage of something because it may not last long Make the most of the good weather because rain is forecast for tomorrow. There'll be a lot of travelling involved in my new job and I plan to make the most of it.

See also: make

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at (the) most

no more than We have at most a week to get the report ready. The dog weighs only 20 pounds at the most. At the most they probably spend five hours a week in their class.

at your best

showing your most positive characteristics It was kind of a bad day for me and I wasn't at my best.

See also: best

at best

in the most satisfactory conditions This truce could last only a short time at best and, at worst, would fall apart in a week.

Opposite of: at worst

See also: best

for the most part

mostly or generally by and large This town has always been considered safe, and for the most part, it still is.

See also: part

make the most of something

to use or enjoy something as much as possible We're only in Paris for a day so let's make the most of it.

See also: make