by half

IPA/baɪ hˈɑːf/
IPA/baɪ hˈæf/

by half — idiom

1. by a very large amount or degree.

1.慣用語C1
釋義

by a very large amount or degree.

例句

The plan was more expensive by half than the first estimate.

more expensive by half

His reply was too clever by half and annoyed the whole committee.

too clever by half

同義詞
  • by a lot

    plain everyday wording with the same basic meaning

  • by far

    often used with superlatives or comparatives to stress a clear difference

文法句型

too + adjective + by half

comparative adjective + by half

comparative adverb + by half

more/less + adjective + by half

用法筆記

Use 'by half' after a comparative expression to emphasize that the difference is large. It is often heard in fixed-sounding phrases such as 'too clever by half'.

常見錯誤

Do not use 'by half' as a general replacement for 'half'. Say 'The box is half full,' not 'The box is by half full.'