to say the least

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to say the least

Without any exaggeration; to put it plainly or mildly. We were disappointed, to say the least, but we decided to put it behind us and get on with the project. My roommates were making out in the living room when I came home last night. It was awkward, to say the least.

See also: least, say

to say the least

at the very least; without overemphasizing the subject; to put it mildly. We were not at all pleased with her work—to say the least. When they had an accident, they were upset to say the least.

See also: least, say

to say the least

Not to exaggerate, as in When the ring turned up in the lost and found, she was delighted, to say the least. This idiom was first recorded in 1809.

See also: least, say

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.

to say the least

COMMON People use to say the least to show that their real opinion is even stronger than what they have just said. There was something odd about the situation, to say the least. What they discovered was interesting, to say the least.

See also: least, say

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

to say the least (or the least of it)

used as an understatement or euphemism to imply that the reality is more extreme, usually worse.

1997 Spectator References in Mr Cole's letter to the ‘bottle’ were, to say the least, distasteful.

See also: least, say

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

to ˌsay the (very) ˈleast

used to say that you are using the least strong way of saying something: I’m not very happy with his work, to say the least.

See also: least, say

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive ?

On the strength of very large sales in site licenses, the Federal Personnel Guide had its most profitable year ever; and my consulting sprang back to life with a vengence, after a period (starting approximately 9/11/01 and lasting until Spring 2003) when it was dormant to say the least.

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Letters

His passion for working with the various subject matters we deal with was inspiring to say the least. He is one of the main reasons for the esteem I have for the scientists who make up this industry.

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One word of caution: The area around the subway stop is dicey, to say the least, so keep your hand on your wallet until you get to rue des Rosiers, where the different antique markets are located.

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