worst

*one's own worst enemy

Fig. consistently causing oneself to fail; more harmful to oneself than other people are. (*Typically: be ~; become ~.) Ellen: My boss is my enemy. She never says anything good about me. Jane: Ellen, you're your own worst enemy. If you did your job responsibly, your boss would be nicer.

See also: enemy

*worst of something

the poorest share of something; the worst part of something. (*Typically: get ~; have ~; give someone ~.) I knew I would get the worst of the deal because I was absent when the goods were divided up. I'm sorry that you got the worst of it.

at (the) worst

in the most negative or pessimistic view. At worst, Tom can be seen as greedy. Ann will receive a ticket for careless driving, at the worst.

Hope for the best and prepare for the worst, and Hope for the best but expect the worst.

Prov. You should have a positive attitude, but make sure you are ready for disaster. While my father was in the hospital after his heart attack, we hoped for the best and prepared for the worst. When you study for a major exam, hope for the best but expect the worst. Don't make yourself anxious worrying that it will be too difficult, but review as if you expect the exam to be extremely hard.

See also: and, best, hope, prepare

I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. and I wouldn't wish that on a dog.

Fig. I would not wish that to happen to even the worst or lowliest person. A skunk sprayed him! I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy. What a hideous disease! I wouldn't wish that on a dog.

See also: enemy, wish

if (the) worst comes to (the) worst

Prov. in the worst possible circumstances; if the worst possible thing should happen. We should be able to catch the four-thirty train, but if the worst comes to the worst, we could get a taxi and still get into town on time. Of course, I hope that your wife's health recovers, but if worst comes to worst, I want you to know that we'd be happy to have you stay with us.

See also: come, if

in the worst way

Fig. very much. I want a new car in the worst way. Bob wants to retire in the worst way.

See also: way

worst-case scenario

Cliché the worse possible future outcome. Now, let's look at the worst-case scenario. In the worst-case scenario, we're all dead.

See also: scenario

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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

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: and, away, far

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

if the worst comes to the worst  (British, American & Australian) also if worst comes to worst (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 I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy

See also: come, if

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.

See also: scenario

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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

at worst also at the 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.

Opposite of: 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, if

in the worst way

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

See also: way

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.

Opposite of: the best of both worlds

See also: both, world