best part of something

the best part of (something)

1. The majority of something. I'm sorry I'm late—my doctor's appointment took the best part of an hour.

2. The most enjoyable or exemplary aspect of something. No, the cream filling is definitely the best part of this dessert! The introduction was the best part of your term paper. After that, it meandered for a while.

See also: best, of, part

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

best part of something

Nearly all of something, the majority, as in The dentist was late; I waited for the best part of an hour. The adjective best here does not concern quality but quantity. [First half of 1500s] Also see better half, def. 1.

See also: best, of, part, something

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.