# not even

idiom · CEFR B1

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/not-even
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

you use this to emphasize that something is surprising because it is so small or unlikely. it shows that even the most basic or simple thing did not happen.

## Examples

- He did not even say hello to me.
- The team worked for hours, but they did not even finish the first page of the report.
- Despite the long hours of preparation and the high expectations of the audience, the speaker did not even acknowledge the presence of the guests.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.