none

be none the wiser

to still be confused about something, even after it has been explained to you. Isobel must have explained the theory three times to me but I'm afraid I'm still none the wiser.

be second to none

to be better than anything or anyone else. The hotel's restaurant facilities are second to none.

See also: second

Half a loaf is better than none.

something that you say which means it is better to take what you are offered, even if it is less than you wanted, because it is better than nothing. I only got half the salary rise I asked for, but I took it anyway on the grounds that half a loaf is better than none.

See also: better, half, loaf

none of your beeswax (American & Australian, informal)

an impolite way of saying that you do not want someone to know about your private life. 'So where the heck have you been?' 'None of your beeswax!'

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bar none

without omitting anyone or anything. Terrell is the best player in the division, bar none.

Usage notes: used when comparing someone or something to all others of the same type

See also: bar

be none the wiser

1. to fail to understand something. Isabel must have explained her idea three times to me, but I'm afraid I'm none the wiser. If you take the label off the jar and say you made it yourself, your guests won't be any the wiser.

2. to not be aware of something. The health department gave the restaurant a health warning, but customers were none the wiser.

Usage notes: often said about efforts to be sure that no one is aware: I figured I could just get rid of the stuff, and you'd be none the wiser.

none of your business

do not interest yourself in matters that do not involve you. “Those children should never be left alone.” “Don't tell me what to do — it's none of your business.”

See also: business

none of the above

not one of the possibilities mentioned. Given the choices in the election, I've been thinking about voting for none of the above.

Usage notes: often used in tests in which different possible answers are given, one of which is none of the above not one of the answers provided is correct: Are you part of Generation X, Generation Y, Generation 1.5, or none of the above?

See also: above

none other than someone/something

the very famous or important person or thing. The speech was given by none other than the vice president. The biggest surprise was that the false report was written by none other than the company's own legal department.

the one and only

See also: other

none the worse (for something)

not damaged or hurt despite something. It was cold and windy during the parade but we were none the worse for the weather.

Usage notes: often used in the form none the worse for wear in good condition despite hard use or a difficult experience: He seems to be none the worse for wear after his car wreck.

See also: worse

none too

not very. I gripped the back of his neck and, none too gently, gave his head a firm shake.

second to none

better than anything or anyone else. The hotel's restaurant is second to none.

See also: second