To say the least Meaning in English
expression
too-SAY-thuh-LEEST
too-SAY-thuh-LEEST
Definition
A phrase used to show that something is actually more extreme or serious than the words used, emphasizing understatement.
Usage & Nuances
Used mainly in formal or written contexts to gently stress that a situation is actually worse or more surprising than described. Often comes at the end of a sentence. Not typically used in very casual speech.
Spanish: por decir lo menos - como mínimoPortuguese (BR): para dizer o mínimo - no mínimoPortuguese (PT): para dizer o mínimo - no mínimoChinese (Simplified): 至少可以这么说 - 起码说Chinese (Traditional): 至少可以這麼說 - 起碼說Hindi: कम से कम कहें तोArabic: على أقل تقدير - على الأقلBengali: কম করে বললেও - ন্যূনতম হলেওRussian: мягко говоряJapanese: 控えめに言ってVietnamese: nói giảm đi - nói nhẹ nhàngKorean: 최소한으로 말해도Turkish: en hafif tabirle - en azından söylemek gerekirseUrdu: ہلکے لفظوں میںIndonesian: setidaknya - bisa dibilang
Example Sentences
The weather was cold, to say the least.
basic
My exam results were disappointing, to say the least.
basic
The movie was strange, to say the least.
basic
Her reaction was unexpected, to say the least.
natural
Working with him was challenging, to say the least.
natural
Their apartment is tiny, to say the least.
natural