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.
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
They know only too well the pressure they can place on youngsters who have so much growing up and so much development ahead of them.
From BBC ● Mar. 19, 2026
Suryakumar is only too aware that India, the top-ranked T20 team in the world, are overwhelming favourites to retain their title .
From Barron's ● Feb. 6, 2026
Which, as spies know only too well, can only exist when you accept, and share, the real truth about yourself.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 15, 2026
I am only too aware that I never received a reply from Miss Kenton confirming she would be happy about a meeting.
From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro
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.
