to good effect

In an effective manner or to an effective degree. The director uses humor to good effect, adding some much-needed levity to the stark drama of the story.

to little effect

In an ineffective or lackluster way; achieving only a minimal result or amount of progress. The candidate has been lashing out at the incumbent president's actions, but to little effect—he is still trailing in the polls by nearly 25 points.

to good, little, etc. efˈfect

with a good, etc. result: Her talent as a dancer is shown to considerable effect in this new production.

to good, little, etc. effect

to good effect

to little effect

to good, little, etc. efˈfect