by half
by half — 慣用語
1. by a very large amount or degree.
大幅地
用在比較語後，強調差距很大
by a very large amount or degree.
The plan was more expensive by half than the first estimate.
這項計畫比第一次估價貴了很多。
more expensive by half
His reply was too clever by half and annoyed the whole committee.
他的回答聰明過頭，惹惱了整個委員會。
too clever by half
The second lecture was clearer by half, so the students followed it easily.
第二場講座清楚多了，所以學生很容易跟上。
The revised contract was shorter by half after the lawyers removed repeated clauses.
律師刪掉重複條款後，修正版合約短了很多。
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.'