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.
-
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.
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
Napoli know the dominance of the Premier League only too well after Wednesday night.
From BBC • Jan. 29, 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 was only too delighted to have the singles back in my life again.
From Salon • Dec. 23, 2025
Vonetta was only too happy to transform her face and her voice into Miss Trotter’s to retell the story of our oldest known ancestor, Augustus the runaway.
From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia
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.
