LET ALONE Meaning and
Definition
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Let alone is a phrase used to indicate that something is not true or applicable to a certain situation or subject, and that a more extreme or important condition is also not true or applicable. It is typically used to emphasize the extreme unlikelihood or impossibility of a particular circumstance or comparison.
In its primary usage, "let alone" creates a contrast between one thing and another, suggesting that if the former is not true or possible, then the latter is even more implausible. For example, if someone says, "I can't afford to buy a small car, let alone a luxury one," they are emphasizing that they cannot afford a small car, and therefore, the idea of buying a luxury car is completely out of the question.
The phrase can also be employed to emphasize the exceptional or superior nature of one thing compared to another. For instance, if someone asserts, "He is not even qualified for a basic job, let alone a managerial position," they are highlighting the vast difference in qualifications between the two positions, thereby emphasizing the person's lack of eligibility for any higher role.
Overall, "let alone" is an idiomatic expression that is used to emphasize the unlikelihood or incredibility of a situation, often through a comparison between a less extreme condition and a more extreme one.
Common Misspellings for LET ALONE
Etymology of LET ALONE
The phrase "let alone" has its origins in Old English and Middle English. The word "let" in Old English meant to prevent or obstruct, while "lætan" in Old English meant to allow or permit. Over time, "let" evolved to refer to allowing or permitting as well. The word "alone" stems from the Old English word "alāne", which means "entirely by oneself". The combination of "let" and "alone" eventually became the phrase "let alone", which is used to indicate excluding something or someone from a list or group.
Idioms with the word LET ALONE
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let alone do sth
The idiom "let alone do sth" is used to emphasize that one activity, task, or action is far more difficult or unlikely than another. It implies that if a person cannot or does not even accomplish the first thing mentioned, they will certainly be unable to accomplish the second thing mentioned. It emphasizes the idea of something being beyond what is already difficult or unlikely.
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let alone sm or sth
The idiom "let alone sm or sth" is typically used to emphasize that something is true or difficult, and if that is the case, then an additional action or thing is even more true or difficult to achieve. It signifies that a certain situation or thing is already challenging, and introducing another situation or thing would make it even more challenging or unlikely to happen.
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let alone someone or something
The idiom "let alone someone or something" is used to emphasize the extreme and unlikely possibility of a particular person or thing being included or considered in a specific situation. It suggests that if one thing is not possible, then the other thing being mentioned is even less probable or relevant. It is often used to convey that a person or thing is excluded, overlooked, or cannot be accomplished, especially when highlighting the contrast between two different things or situations.
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let alone
"Let alone" is an idiom that means not to mention or consider, indicating that something is even less likely or possible than the already unlikely thing being discussed.
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