NOT ENOUGH Meaning and
Definition
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"Not enough" is an idiomatic expression used to convey insufficiency or a lack of the appropriate amount, quantity, or quality of something. It is often used to describe a situation where the available or provided resources, effort, time, or capability are deemed insufficient or inadequate to meet a specific objective, standard, or requirement.
When something is characterized as "not enough," it implies that there is an unmet need or expectation that remains unfulfilled. This can apply to various contexts, such as when an individual's income is insufficient to cover their expenses, when a given amount of time is inadequate to complete a task, or when the quantity or quality of a product or service fails to meet desired levels.
The phrase "not enough" emphasizes the shortfall, suggesting that what is currently provided or present falls short of what is necessary, desired, or expected. It articulates a sense of dissatisfaction or disappointment, highlighting the inadequacy or limitation of the situation at hand.
"Not enough" can be subjective and vary based on context and individual perspectives. It often calls for the recognition of the need for further action, improvement, supplementation, or adjustment to rectify the insufficiency and achieve the desired outcome or satisfaction.
Common Misspellings for NOT ENOUGH
Etymology of NOT ENOUGH
The word "not enough" is not a standalone word with a specific etymology. It is a phrase composed of two separate words: "not" and "enough".
The word "not" originates from Old English, where it was spelled "nāht". It eventually evolved into the modern English "not". It is a negation word used to express negation, denial, or opposition.
The word "enough" also comes from Old English, but its original form was "genōg" or "ganōg". It eventually transformed into "enough" in Middle English, preserving its meaning of sufficiency, adequacy, or satisfaction.
When combined, "not enough" essentially means that something falls short of being sufficient or satisfactory. However, it is important to note that this phrase itself does not have a specific etymology; its interpretation is based on the meanings of the individual words.
Idioms with the word NOT ENOUGH
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as if that were not enough
The idiom "as if that were not enough" is used to express that a particular situation or problem is already challenging or difficult, and yet something else, usually negative or unwanted, is added on top of it. It emphasizes a feeling of being overwhelmed or burdened with additional complications or problems.
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not enough room to swing a cat
The idiom "not enough room to swing a cat" means a very small or cramped space. It implies that the available area is so limited that even swinging a small cat (as an exaggerated example) would be impossible or difficult. It is often used to describe confined or overcrowded spaces.
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too many chiefs and not enough Indians
The idiom "too many chiefs and not enough Indians" means that there are too many people giving or wanting to give orders or take control, and not enough people to actually do the work or carry out the tasks. It implies a situation where there is a lack of balance between those in charge and those who are actually responsible for getting things done.
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no/not enough room to swing a cat
The idiom "no/not enough room to swing a cat" means that a space or area is very small or cramped. It implies that there is barely enough room to move around comfortably, let alone swing a cat (a small animal) around without hitting anything.
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