less

(I) could(n't) care less.

Inf. It doesn't matter to me. (The less bears the heaviest stress in both versions. Despite the apparent contradiction, either reading of this—both the affirmative and negative—usually have the same meaning. The exception would be in a sentence where the could bears the heaviest stress: I COULD care less, [but I don't.].) Tom: The rain is coming! The carpet will get wet! Mary: I couldn't care less. Bill: I'm going to go in there and tell off the boss? John: I could care less.

See also: care, could

could(n't) care less

[one is] unable to care at all; it does not matter at all. John couldn't care less whether he goes to the party or not. I could care less if I live or die.

See also: care, could

in less than no time

Fig. very quickly. (See also in no time (at all).) I'll be there in less than no time. Don't worry. This won't take long. It'll be over with in less than no time.

See also: time

Less is more.

Cliché fewer or small is better. Simplicity now rules our lives. Less is more. Smaller houses and cars. The world will be a better place!

See also: more

less said (about something), the better

Prov. A way of indicating that you think something should not be talked about any further. Jane: How are things going with your divorce proceedings? Ellen: The less said, the better. The less said about my financial situation, the better.

See also: better, said

less than pleased

displeased. We were less than pleased to learn of your comments. Bill was less than pleased at the outcome of the election.

See also: please

Make haste slowly, and More haste, less speed.

Prov. Act quickly, but not so quickly that you make careless mistakes. Jane: Why are you throwing your clothes around the room? Alan: You told me to get my things packed in a hurry. Jane: Yes, but make haste slowly; otherwise we'll have to spend an hour cleaning up the mess you make. I know you want to finish that sweater by Joe's birthday, but you're knitting so fast that you make mistakes. More haste, less speed.

See also: haste, make

more or less

somewhat; approximately; a phrase used to express vagueness or uncertainty. Henry: I think this one is what I want, more or less. Clerk: A very wise choice, sir. I spent more or less a half hour waiting for my flight to depart.

See also: more

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somebody couldn't care less also somebody could care less

someone does not care at all Most fans couldn't care less about it.

See also: care, couldn't

less than something

not something The weekend was less than wonderful, but parts of it were pretty good. The result was less than thrilling television – you could even call it boring.

Usage notes: used to describe a quality you had expected or hoped for

more or less

1. approximately The box weighs 50 pounds, more or less. Each of the calls was more or less 10 minutes long.

2. to some degree This room is more or less an extra - we don't really need it.

See also: more

much less do something

and do not even do this When our headlights flashed, the deer barely blinked, much less moved. They can hardly keep their Internet site running, much less guard against hackers.

See also: much

no less

this is surprising to me, and must surprise you too I happen to own the very same sweater – and in green, no less. They lost the first two games in a best-of-five series, and on their home field, no less.

no less than somebody/something

this very important person or organization Carroll is the most entertaining talk-show host on TV – no less than "Entertainment Weekly" said so. Almost two dozen representatives flew in for meetings with top officials, including no less than the country's president.

nothing less than something

strongly showing this quality nothing short of something The violinist's playing is nothing less than magnificent.

Usage notes: used to emphasize the quality mentioned

See also: nothing