to say the least

to say the least
TO PUT IT MILDLY, putting it mildly, without any exaggeration, at the very least.
say

* * *

to say the least
1. At least
2. Without exaggeration
• • •
Main Entry:say

* * *

to say the least phrase
used for saying that you could have expressed something in a much stronger way

I found the flight rather uncomfortable, to say the least.

Thesaurus: ways of describing something in a general waysynonym
Main entry: say

* * *

I
used as an understatement (implying the reality is more extreme, usually worse)

his performance was disappointing to say the least

II
see least

* * *

to say the least
— used to emphasize a statement

She was not happy, to say the least. [=she was very unhappy]

He is, to say the least, hopeful about the future. [=he is very hopeful about the future]

To say the least, they were disappointed that their trip was canceled.

• • •
Main Entry:least
————————
to say the least — see least, 2
• • •
Main Entry:say

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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