nothing short of
Meaning: Absolutely; entirely; completely—nothing less than the full extent of what is stated.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: The Absurd
Origin: The phrase constructs meaning through negation: it says that to fall short in any way would be insufficient, so only the maximum degree qualifies.
More idioms — The Absurd
- hammer and tongs — With great vigor and force; in a determined and vigorous manner.
- rhyme or reason — Any logical sense or reasonable explanation.
- blow up in one's face — To fail spectacularly or cause a plan to collapse in an embarrassing way.
- tilt at windmills — To waste effort fighting against imaginary enemies or pursuing hopeless causes.
- one is a poet and doesn't know it — Someone has unintentionally created a rhyme or spoken in verse without realizing it.
- train wreck — A spectacular, inevitable disaster that is witnessed by many people.
More English idioms
- give up the ghost — To die, or to cease functioning entirely.
- live in the past — To be preoccupied with previous events and unable to move forward in life.
- in black and white — Stated explicitly and in writing; absolutely clear and unambiguous.
- string attached — A hidden condition or requirement that makes something less advantageous than it initiall…
- drop in the bucket — A contribution or action so small it is negligible compared to a massive problem.
- bed of roses — A situation or life that is entirely easy, comfortable, and free from hardship.
From our proverbs
- He had need rise betimes that would please everybody. — Rising early cannot satisfy conflicting demands; some desires are inherently incompatible.
- Every man for himself, and God for us all. — Self-interest and communal welfare coexist; individual responsibility doesn't negate coll…
- Let every tub stand on its own bottom. — Each person must support themselves financially and practically without depending on othe…