faint (redirected from fainter)

not be for the faint-hearted

if something is not for the faint-hearted, it is not suitable for people who become frightened easily. The drive along the winding coast road is not for the faint-hearted, particularly when it's foggy.

damn someone/something with faint praise

to praise something or someone in such a weak way that it is obvious you do not really admire them. She damned Reynolds with faint praise, calling him one of the best imitators in the world.

See also: damn, praise

not have the faintest (idea)

to have no knowledge of or no information about something. 'Do you know where Anna is? ' 'I haven't the faintest.' I haven't the faintest idea what you're talking about. (often + question word)

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damn (someone/something) with faint praise

to show only slight approval for someone or something. By qualifying his support, you could argue he was damning these leaders with faint praise. Maybe I'm damning them with faint praise, but the Yankees are easier to like than the Atlanta Braves in this series.

See also: damn, praise

not have the faintest idea

to not know anything at all about something. I didn't have the faintest idea where I was or which way I was going – I simply knew I had to get away. These people don't have the foggiest idea what America's really like.

Usage notes: also used in the forms I have no idea and I haven't the slightest idea

Etymology: perhaps based on (= I do not know) (= I don't know anything at all about something)

See also: idea