least (redirected from at the least)

at least

anyway; in spite of difficulties. At least we had a good evening, even though the afternoon was rainy. At least we came away with some of our money left.

at least so many

no less than; no fewer than. There were at least four people there that I knew. I want to spend at least three weeks in Mexico.

See also: many

Idle people have the least leisure. and Idle folk have the least leisure.

Prov. If you are not energetic and hardworking, you will never have any free time, since you will have to spend all your time finishing your work. My grandmother always told me not to dawdle, since idle people have the least leisure.

See also: have, idle, leisure, people

last but not least

Cliché last in sequence, but not last in importance. (Often said when introducing people.) The speaker said, "And now, last but not least, I'd like to present Bill Smith, who will give us some final words." And last but not least, here is the final graduate.

See also: but, last

least little thing

the smallest possible thing. He gets upset over the least little thing. When she was a girl, she would throw a tantrum over the least little thing.

See also: little, thing

least of all

the thing of smallest importance. (Compare this with most of all.) There were many things wrong with the new house. Least of all, the water faucets leaked. What a bad day. Many things went wrong, but least of all, I tore my shirt.

line of least resistance

the course of action that will cause least trouble or effort. Jane won't stand up for her rights. She always takes the line of least resistance. Joan never states her point of view. She takes the line of least resistance and agrees with everyone else.

See also: line, resistance

not at all and not in the least

certainly not; absolutely not. No, it doesn't bother me—not at all. I'm not complaining. Not me. Not in the least.

path of least resistance

Fig. the easiest course to follow; the easiest route. (Often with follow the or take the.) John will follow the path of least resistance. I like challenges. I won't usually take the path of least resistance.

See also: path, resistance

to say the least

at the very least; without overemphasizing the subject; to put it mildly. We were not at all pleased with her work—to say the least. When they had an accident, they were upset to say the least.

See also: say

when least expected

when one does not expect something. An old car is likely to give you trouble when least expected. My pencil usually breaks when least expected.

See also: expect

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last but not least

something that you say before introducing the last person or thing on a list, meaning that they are equally important This is Jeremy, this is Kath, and, last but not least, this is Artie. Right, I've got my money, my sunglasses and, last but not least, my lipstick.

See also: but, last

Least said, soonest mended.  (British & Australian old-fashioned)

something that you say which means a bad event or situation can be forgotten more easily if you do not talk about it I've always thought it best not to dwell on grievances too long. Least said, soonest mended.

See also: soon

take the line/path of least resistance

to act in the way which will be easiest because you will not have to argue with other people about it You could always take the line of least resistance and go with the majority vote.

See also: line, resistance, take

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at (the very) least

1. not less than At least 73,000 homes are without power in the Atlanta area. The repair will cost $100 at the very least.

Usage notes: always used with a particular amount or measure: At the least, the room is 30 feet long.

2. more exactly at any rate I can handle it – at least, I think I can. The car was damaged, but at least no one was hurt.

Usage notes: often used to make a statement sound less strong

3. whatever happens At least Josh tried to apologize. At the very least, you should call to tell me that you've arrived there safely.

Usage notes: the same meaning can be also expressed by come hell or high water, come what may, either way, in any case, and in any event

last but not least

important, despite being mentioned at the end The mall has sports and shoe and clothing stores and, last but not least, plenty of terrific places to eat.

See also: but, last

least of all

especially not No one believed her, least of all me.

not in the least

not in any way not in the slightest “Is he bothering you?” “Not in the least.”

the least you can do also the least you could do

something you should do If Bob wants to apologize, the least you can do is listen.

See also: can

the path of least resistance

the way that is the easiest Thieves usually take the path of least resistance, taking the cars that are easiest to steal.

See also: path, resistance

to say the least

to not mention as much as you could about something The dinner was tasteless, to say the least.

See also: say