a bit
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a bit
1. A small portion, degree, or amount. It got a bit warm when the sun started shining so I'm not going to need to wear this coat today. I forgot my lunch, can I have a bit of yours? I'm afraid I've caught a bit of a cold.
2. A brief amount of time; a moment. I should be over in five minutes, so I'll see you in a bit!
See also: bit
not a bit
Not a single, tiny bit; not at all. A: "Are you nervous at all about tonight's fight?" B: "Not a bit. This is what I've been training for." I don't get a bit of gratitude from my children for everything you do to keep them happy and healthy. That joke is not a bit funny.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
a bit
1. A small amount of anything; also, a short period of time. For example, Here's a bit of wrapping paper, or It'll be ready in a bit, or Just wait a bit. [c. 1600]
2. Somewhat or rather, as in It stings a bit, or Will you have a bit more to eat? [Second half of 1600s] Also see bit by bit; not a bit.
See also: bit
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.