by half

Idioms  

1. Considerably, a great deal, as in He was too good a cook by half for this small restaurant. [c. a.d. 1000] Contrast by halves.

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Example Sentences

When the researchers incorporated their measurements into astrophysical models, they reduced the uncertainty in the predicted abundance of selenium-74 by half.

From Science Daily • Apr. 14, 2026

BlackRock estimates that a small amount of private assets would boost retirement plan returns by half a percentage point a year—increasing retirement savings by 15% over the course of a typical employee’s 40-year career.

From Barron's • Mar. 30, 2026

The number of people living in relative poverty in the UK rose by half a million in the year up to March 2025, new government figures have shown.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

The critical conference game will decide the head-to-head tiebreaker between the teams that are separated by half a game in the standings.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

The man was too clever by half, a mocking smile never far from his lips.

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin