ENGLISH
REFERENCE

a mite

idiom
Meaning

To a small extent; in a small amount; rather.

Origin

disputed origin

From a + mite (“minute arachnid of the order Acarina; anything very small, a minute object, a very little quantity or particle”).

Examples
SIMPLE

The soup is a mite too salty for my taste.

CONTEXTUAL

The room felt a mite cold, so I turned up the heater before the guests arrived.

COMPLEX

His explanation seemed a mite suspicious, leaving the committee to wonder if he had been entirely honest about the project's budget.

Anchors to
Related idioms1entry
  1. 01

    widow's mite

    A very small gift or donation which, however, represents a great sacrifice on the part of the giver.

Last updated April 17, 2026