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.
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
The 46-year-old knows only too well the tough act he has to follow having worked as Guardiola's assistant during the 2022-23 Treble winning season.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
In a profession where politicians are only too happy to be rude about each other, Andy Burnham is very well liked.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026
Sorcerers existed, beyond a doubt, and it was only too likely that they would cast sleeping spells, and that a mother would care for her daughter in that fierce and tender way.
From "The Amber Spyglass" by Philip Pullman
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.
