To say the least Definition 1 of 2Pro Tip 1/3Understatement The phrase often implies that the reality is much more extreme than described. Their new house is spacious, to say the least. Pro Tip 2/3Subtle Intensity Use it to hint at strong feelings or situations without being too direct. That movie was quite a shock, to say the least. Pro Tip 3/3Polite Criticism It's a polite way to express criticism or negative impression. His driving skills are lacking, to say the least.