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with the best will in the world

Idioms  
  1. No matter how much one wants to or tries, as in I couldn't eat another bite, not with the best will in the world. [Mid-1800s]


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:

"It always concerns anyone when you can't get immediate help, but with the best will in the world immediate help isn't always available."

From BBC Oct. 24, 2023

"I don't think, with the best will in the world, you can rely on people to take their own judgement on this," she added.

From BBC Jul. 9, 2021

The Classic, with the best will in the world, is a niche device for a dedicated and hardcore audience.

From Forbes Jan. 17, 2015

"Not really, no," I say, but if anything, that only seems to encourage her, which, with the best will in the world, wasn't really the reaction I was hoping for.

From The Guardian Mar. 25, 2010

I saw that, with the best will in the world, I could do only harm.

From Countess Erika's Apprenticeship by Ossip Schubin

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