only too
Idioms-
At the very least, as a matter of fact, as in I know only too well that I can't win the lottery . This usage was first recorded in 1817.
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Very, extremely, as in I am only too glad to help . This usage was first recorded in 1899.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He’d follow me only too willingly, but I’d be taking him to his death; he was too little for this crazy plan, and for that same reason I couldn’t risk saying goodbye, either.
From Literature
As Manchester United fans are only too aware, once Cristiano Ronaldo is set on a course, he is not too fussed what the fallout is.
From BBC
Napoli know the dominance of the Premier League only too well after Wednesday night.
From BBC
City know the dangers of the play-off round only too well after being dumped out at that stage by Real Madrid 12 months ago.
From Barron's
Denmark had long said that it was only too happy to see an increased American military presence on Greenland.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
