What does at any rate mean
What is the meaning of at the rate?
If you say that at this rate something bad or extreme will happen, you mean that it will happen if things continue to develop as they have been doing. At this rate, she would be almost seven feet tall by then.
Where does the saying at any rate come from?
Apparently, it originally meant at any cost, and then became more generic from there. From etymolonline.com: Phrase at any rate originally (1610s) meant “at any cost;” weakened sense of “at least” is attested by 1760. J.R.
What is the synonym of at any rate?
Synonyms for at any rate. always, anyhow, anyway, leastways.
Is at any rate informal?
Informal To have status, importance, or influence: Tea-flavored ice cream doesn’t rate highly in my book. 1. Whatever the case may be; in any case: You should at any rate apologize. 2.
What can I say instead of anyway?
What is another word for anyway?
| regardless | irregardless |
|---|---|
| nevertheless | nonetheless |
| anyhow | anyways |
| notwithstanding | however |
| though | natheless |
What type of transition is at any rate?
“At any rate” is an idiomatic expression that’s used as a simple transition, and often as you’re wrapping up the discussion of a give topic.
What does at any time mean?
phrase. If something could happen at any time, it is possible that it will happen very soon, though nobody can predict exactly when. Conditions are still very tense and the fighting could escalate at any time.
Are at a loose end?
If you are at a loose end, you are bored because you do not have anything to do and cannot think of anything that you want to do. In American English, you usually say that you are at loose ends.
What does the phrase in any case mean?
No matter what happens, certainly; also, whatever the fact is, anyway. For example, In any case, I plan to go, or Call me tomorrow, at all events, or He may not be getting a raise, but in any event his boss thinks highly of him.
What is the meaning of putting the cart before the horse?
to do things in the wrong order
Definition of put the cart before the horse
: to do things in the wrong order People are putting the cart before the horse by making plans on how to spend the money before we are even certain that the money will be available.
Was at odds with meaning?
: not agreeing with each other : in a state of disagreement The parents and teachers are still at odds (about/over what to teach the students). —often + with The two groups have long been at odds with each other.
What does the term snowed under mean?
1 : to overwhelm especially in excess of capacity to absorb or deal with something. 2 : to defeat by a large margin. Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About snow under.
What does when it rain it pours mean?
Definition of when it rains, it pours
US, informal. —used to say that when something bad happens other bad things usually happen at the same time The team not only lost the game but three of its best players were injured. When it rains, it pours.
What is the meaning of sitting on the fence?
To remain neutral, to refuse to take sides in a dispute; often used in a derogatory way about someone who lacks the courage to decide: “The councilman is afraid he’ll lose votes if he takes sides on the zoning issue, but he can’t sit on the fence forever.”
What does until the cow comes home mean?
phrase [PHRASE after verb] If you say that someone can do something until the cows come home, but it will have no effect, you are emphasizing that it will have no effect even if they do it for a very long time. [informal, emphasis]
What is the meaning of climb the walls?
feeling very anxious or frustrated
Definition of climbing the walls
: feeling very anxious or frustrated because one has a lot of energy but is unable to do something he or she wants to do Being stuck at home all weekend had me climbing the walls.
What is the meaning of the proverb Many hands make light work?
Definition of many hands make light work
—used to say that people can do things more quickly and easily when they work together It’s a big job, but many hands make light work.
What is the meaning of I don’t want to rain on your parade?
Definition of rain on someone’s parade
US, informal. : to spoil someone’s pleasure I don’t mean to rain on your parade, but I have some bad news.
What is the meaning of put a cork in it?
to stop talking
Definition of put a cork in it
chiefly US, informal. —used as a rude way to tell someone to stop talking and especially to stop complaining Why don’t you put a cork in it!
What does the phrase below the belt mean?
To say something that is often too personal, usually irrelevant, and always unfair: “To remind reformed alcoholics of their drinking problem is to hit below the belt.” The expression comes from boxing, in which it is illegal to hit an opponent below the belt.
What does have eyes in the back of your head mean?
—used to say a person has seen or noticed something that is behind him or her How did you know we were here? You must have eyes in the back of your head!