only too

only too (something)

Very. Don't tell her the truth—she'd be only too glad to use it against you later. As a small business owner, I know only too well how tough it is to succeed in this economy.

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

only too

1. At the very least, as a matter of fact, as in I know only too well that I can't win the lottery. This usage was first recorded in 1817.

2. Very, extremely, as in I am only too glad to help. This usage was first recorded in 1899.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.