It’s interesting to me how visitors stumble upon this humble innovation blog, to say the least.
It turns out that one of the Google searches that is leading here is for those that are wanting for the definition of this very expression. And you know what? I’ve done your homework for you and will hopefully save you a few minutes clicking through the internet ecosystem for your answer.
Alright – I’m ready for it — what is the definition of the expression “to say the least” ?
“To say the least” generally implies a gross understatement. As in….. “Oprah Winfrey is successful, to say the least.”
Wiktionary says that “to say the least” is “used to suggest that what was previously stated was an understatement.” I think this is a decent definition.
For a more official definition, consider the following: Not to exaggerate, as in “When the ring turned up in the lost and found, she was delighted, to say the least.” According to the American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms, this phrase was first recorded in 1809.