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by half

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by half

Far too much of something; more than is necessary. Used in the form, "Too [something] by half." Primarily heard in UK. That child is too noisy by half!

See also: half

by half

Considerably, a great deal, as in He was too good a cook by half for this small restaurant. [c. a.d. 1000] Contrast by halves.

See also: half

by half

1. By a considerable extent.

2. By an excessive amount: too clever by half.

See also: half