To say the least
phrase
Used to suggest that something is actually much more serious or important than you have just said it is.
She's pretty annoyed about what happened, to say the least.
Often appears as...
- very surprised
- to say the least
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Used to indicate that one is using mild or moderate terms in order not to state something more strongly.
The whole experience was interesting, to say the least.
Often appears as...
- interesting
- to say the least
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Used to suggest that something is actually much more serious or important than you have just said it is.
She's pretty annoyed about what happened, to say the least.
Often appears as...
- very surprised
- to say the least
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Used to indicate that one is using mild or moderate terms in order not to state something more strongly.
The whole experience was interesting, to say the least.
Often appears as...
- interesting
- to say the least
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Understatement
The phrase often implies that the reality is much more extreme than described.
Their new house is spacious, to say the least.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Intensity
Use it to hint at strong feelings or situations without being too direct.
That movie was quite a shock, to say the least.
Pro Tip 3/3Polite Criticism
It's a polite way to express criticism or negative impression.
His driving skills are lacking, to say the least.
Pro Tip 1/3Understatement
The phrase often implies that the reality is much more extreme than described.
Their new house is spacious, to say the least.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Intensity
Use it to hint at strong feelings or situations without being too direct.
That movie was quite a shock, to say the least.
Pro Tip 3/3Polite Criticism
It's a polite way to express criticism or negative impression.
His driving skills are lacking, to say the least.
Pro Tip 1/3Understatement
The phrase often implies that the reality is much more extreme than described.
Their new house is spacious, to say the least.
Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Intensity
Use it to hint at strong feelings or situations without being too direct.
That movie was quite a shock, to say the least.
Pro Tip 3/3Polite Criticism
It's a polite way to express criticism or negative impression.
His driving skills are lacking, to say the least.
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