to good, little, etc. effect
to good effect
In an effective manner or to an effective degree. The director uses humor to good effect, adding some much-needed levity to the stark drama of the story.
to little effect
In an ineffective or lackluster way; achieving only a minimal result or amount of progress. The candidate has been lashing out at the incumbent president's actions, but to little effect—he is still trailing in the polls by nearly 25 points.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
to good, little, etc. efˈfect
with a good, etc. result: Her talent as a dancer is shown to considerable effect in this new production.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017