in and of itself

in and of itself

By itself, without considering any other factors. Yes, in and of itself, your statement isn't a problem. But you have to understand how it sounded in the context of the conversation.

See also: and, itself, of

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

in and of itself

considering it alone. The idea in and of itself is not bad, but the side issues introduce many difficulties. Her action, in and of itself, caused us no problem.

See also: and, itself, of

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

in and of itself

Intrinsically, considered alone. For example, In and of itself the plan might work, but I doubt that it will be approved. It is also put simply as in itself, as in This account may be true in itself. [First half of 1600s]

See also: and, itself, of

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.