Reader's question: The methodologies for this study were odd to say the least. Could you explain “to say the least”? My comments: "To say the least” implies that you could say more (and let out more criticism). In the above sentence, this is a diplomatic way of voicing your strong disapproval of the methodologies for the study. Used to hide your stronger opinion, usually negative. For example, when I asked a colleague what he thought of the work done by his new intern, he said: I’m not at all pleased, to say the least. From that I infer the intern will perhaps have to look elsewhere for a job. Related stories: 本文僅代表作者本人觀點(diǎn),與本網(wǎng)立場無關(guān)。歡迎大家討論學(xué)術(shù)問題,尊重他人,禁止人身攻擊和發(fā)布一切違反國家現(xiàn)行法律法規(guī)的內(nèi)容。 About the author:Zhang Xin has been with China Daily since 1988, when he graduated from Beijing Foreign Studies University. Write him at: zhangxin@chinadaily.com.cn, or raise a question for potential use in a future column. |
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