nearest and dearest

1. One's closest and fondest friends, companions, or relatives, as in It's a small gathering—we're inviting only a dozen or so of our nearest and dearest. This rhyming expression has been used ironically since the late 1500s, as well as by Shakespeare in 1 Henry IV (3:2): “Why, Harry, do I tell thee of my foes, which art my nearest and dearest enemy?”

Example Sentences

Only his nearest and dearest had other ideas, throwing the ex-Newcastle United winger a surprise 50th birthday party earlier this year.

From BBC

Before Sunday's final against Spain, we hear Swiss stories from some of England's nearest and dearest, who send their good luck messages before one last push in Basel.

From BBC

Disaster would often embrace not only the offender, but also his nearest and dearest, and all those responsible to him.

From Salon

Speaking to the jury, Mr Jarvis said that this showed that Mr Ovsiannikov was aware of the sanctions "and he must have made his nearest and dearest aware of that too".

From BBC

Regardless of how America votes on Tuesday, Hart — along with his nearest and dearest and estimated $450 million net worth — will be fine.

From Salon