ENGLISH
REFERENCE

to say the least

idiom
Meaning

Used to suggest an understatement.


Examples
SIMPLE

The food was bad, to say the least.

CONTEXTUAL

The hotel room was dirty and noisy, to say the least, so we asked for a refund immediately.

COMPLEX

His performance during the final presentation was disorganized and lacked preparation, to say the least, leaving the board members visibly unimpressed.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    at the very least

    at least; as an absolute minimum; emphatic form of at the least.

  2. 02

    final say

    The right to make a final decision.

  3. 03

    have a say

    To (receive the opportunity to) voice one's opinion.

  4. 04

    I'd say

    It is my estimate or opinion.

  5. 05

    I'll say

    Used to indicate emphatic agreement

  6. 06

    let's not and say we did

    Indicates that the speaker does not agree with a proposed action, and does not wish to participate.

  7. 07

    needless to say

    Clearly, obviously.

  8. 08

    not in the least

    not at all, not in any way

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