had rather

Idioms  

1. Also, had sooner. Would prefer. For example, I had rather you let me do the driving, or He'd sooner switch than fight. This idiom today is often replaced by would rather. [Late 1500s] Also see just as soon.

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Example Sentences

"It's fair to say the past few weeks have had rather a 'medical' focus," he said.

From BBC • Feb. 10, 2024

George Washington once reflected on this distinction, saying, "I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world."

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2023

By the time he was fully committed to his career, “I had rather lost interest, as far as pursuing a Ph.D. or teaching or going into the corporate world,” he said.

From New York Times • Jul. 7, 2022

The other first-rounders all had rather pedestrian debuts, too.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 16, 2020

It may have been silly, but Shasta felt he had rather risk the wild beasts.

From "The Horse and His Boy" by C.S. Lewis