anything

not do anything/things by halves

if you do not do things by halves, you always make a lot of effort and do things very well. 'I didn't realise you were decorating the whole house!' 'Oh, we don't do things by halves round here.'

See also: halves, thing

If you believe that, you'll believe anything! (informal)

something that you say to emphasize that something is obviously not true. He said the car in front backed into him, and if you believe that, you'll believe anything!

See also: believe

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anything but

not. The minister and the church leaders are all deaf, yet the service is anything but silent.

Usage notes: used to emphasize that something is the opposite of what you might expect

See also: but

as much as anything (else)

no less than other things. You need to look at reliability and safety as much as anything when buying a car. It was war, as much as anything else, that made an artist out of Westermann.

See also: much

for anything (in the world)

not under any conditions. I know some guys who are police officers, and I wouldn't take that job for anything. Bill said he wouldn't trade the experience of living in Guatemala for anything in the world.

not take anything for granted

to question everything, including what is usually accepted as true. He did not take his luck for granted and worked constantly to be an even better dancer.

Usage notes: also used in the form take nothing for granted: The president took nothing for granted and worked hard to gain the support of Congress.

take something for granted

See also: grant, take