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to say the least

Idioms  
  1. Not to exaggerate, as in When the ring turned up in the lost and found, she was delighted, to say the least. This idiom was first recorded in 1809.


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.

See Examples For:

None have cost more than Isak, so the expectation on the former Newcastle striker is understandable, to say the least.

From BBC Aug. 29, 2026

Watching Microsoft gut Xbox this month has been a stepping-on-a-rake moment, to say the least.

From Salon Jul. 13, 2026

However, our call of the day from Citrini Research says that, with nearly all investor attention over the past few years focused on the AI trade, it’s looking crowded to say the least.

From MarketWatch Jun. 25, 2026

"I regret that the response -- disproportionate to say the least given to the very real concerns that have been expressed -- is only fuelling them," she added.

From Barron's May 19, 2026

The recovery of the artifacts in and around the wreck of the São José has, from the beginning, been challenging to say the least.

From "Shipwrecked!" by Martin W. Sandler

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