worst (redirected from do worst)

be far and away the [best/greatest/worst etc.]

to be much better or much worse or to have much more of a particular quality than anyone or anything else. He's far and away the best tennis player I've ever seen.

See also: away, best, far, great

be your own worst enemy

if you are your own worst enemy, you do or believe things that prevent you from becoming successful. Unless he learns to be more confident, he'll never get a decent job. He's his own worst enemy.

See also: enemy

bring out the worst in someone

bring out the best in someone - to make someone show or use the good qualities they have. I can't stop criticizing her - she just brings out the worst in me.

See also: bring

I/You wouldn't wish something on my/your worst enemy.

something that you say in order to emphasize that something is extremely unpleasant. The effects of this disease are horrible. You wouldn't wish them on your worst enemy.

See also: enemy, wish, wouldn't

if the worst comes to the worst (British, American & Australian, American)

something that you say in order to tell someone what you will do if a situation becomes very difficult or serious. If the worst comes to the worst, we'll have to give them our bed and sleep on the floor. If worst came to worst, could we sell the car to raise some extra cash?

See also: come

the nightmare/worst-case scenario

the worst thing that could possibly happen. I suppose the worst-case scenario would be if both of us lost our jobs at the same time.

the worst of both worlds

the best of both worlds - if you get the best of both worlds, you get the advantages of two different things at the same time. Farmers have the worst of both worlds: low prices for their products, and no guarantee they'll be able to sell them.

See also: both, world

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at worst

in the least satisfactory conditions. There's no harm in sending them your resume — you might get an interview, and at worst, they'll ignore it.

at best

fear the worst

to feel sure that what was least wanted has happened or will happen. When the doctor called, she feared the worst.

See also: fear

if worst comes to worst

if the least wanted situation develops. If worst comes to worst, we can ask Dad to send us some more money.

See also: come

in the worst way

very much. After a day in the hot sun, he needed a shower in the worst way.

See also: way

your own worst enemy

doing things yourself that prevent you from being liked or successful. As a young player, Michael was his own worst enemy, arguing with the coach and other players and generally being unpleasant.

Usage notes: sometimes used in the form its own worst enemy, referring to something: The company has made a number of bad decisions that have made it its own worst enemy.

See also: enemy

the worst of both worlds

the least satisfactory parts of two different things. By making his parents and his teachers angry with him, Jim seemed to have the worst of both worlds.

the best of both worlds

See also: both, world