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.
But he was only too aware that staff "could lose their jobs" if they went down.
From BBC ● Sep. 11, 2026
Harper was only too happy to share his memories of growing up and winning championships with Team USA in an 18-and-under tournament in Venezuela and a 16-and-under tournament in Mexico.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 10, 2026
Members of New York’s underworld were only too happy to help, and the collaboration proved a success.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
"Too many people at present find out only too late that they have no rights at the end of a relationship," she says.
From BBC ● Jul. 4, 2026
"Sorry? Why, we're only too glad to do so. We've been waiting for you for months. Or for someone who could do what you've done."
From "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison
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.
