in the least
At all or in any way. These phrases are typically used in the negative. We are not concerned in the least about the impact it may have on our profits this year. A: "Do you mind if I tag along this afternoon?" B: "Not in the least!" I don't know why this artist is such a big deal all of a sudden—his work doesn't impress me in the least.
in the slightest
At all; a little bit. This phrase is typically used in the negative. A: "I'm really sorry. Are you mad?" B: "Not in the slightest! I know it was a mistake." I know you've faced a lot of resistance, but it hasn't weakened your resolve in the slightest. I'm impressed. I'm sorry, but stamp collecting doesn't interest me in the slightest.
not have the slightest idea
To be completely unaware of or know no information about something. A: "Is Sally off today?" B: "Oh, I don't have the slightest idea. Ask Elaine, she'll know."
not in the slightest
Not at all; not even a little bit. A: "I'm really sorry. Are you mad?" B: "Not in the slightest! I know it was a mistake."
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in the least
Also, in the slightest. At all, in the smallest degree. These terms are nearly always used in a negative context. For example, I don't care in the least what you do with the money, or It doesn't matter in the slightest whether or not you attend. [c. 1600] They may also be put as not in the least or not in the slightest, as in I am not in the least worried about the outcome, or The heat doesn't bother me in the slightest. In the least dates from about 1600; in the slightest has been used in the sense of "emphatically unimportant or trifling" since the late 1500s.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
(ˌnot) in the ˈleast
(used in negative sentences, questions and if clauses) (not) at all: She wasn’t in the least afraid. ♢ If you are in the least worried about it, then ask somebody for help.not in the ˈslightest
not at all; not in the least: Flying doesn’t worry me in the slightest.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
in the least
At all: I don't mind in the least.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.