Meaning of Idiom ‘If Anything’
If anything means to any degree, if at all; if anything definite can be said (this is it); if there is any difference at all. 1Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013.,2Kumar, Vijaya. The Sterling Dictionary of Idioms. Sterling Publisher, 2000.,3Vizetelly, Frank H., De Bekker, L. J. A Desk-book of Idioms and Idiomatic Phrases in English Speech and Literature. New York: Gosset & Dunlop, 1923.
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Examples Of Use
“I don’t think recycling is the answer. If anything, we need to reduce our use of plastic in the first place.”
“No, I’m not upset about you going on a trip. If anything, I’m happy you are going to have some time to relax.”
“How is little Amy feeling today?” “If anything, her fever is down and she seems to have more energy.”
“If anything, we should spend less, not more, on the military,” said the congressman.
Origin
Used since the early 1800s.
More Idioms Starting with I
- In the Same Boat, all
- If the Shoe Fits, Wear It
- I’m Your Huckleberry
- In For It (or Something), to be
- In the Worst Way
More Anything Idioms
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Sources
| 1. | ↲ | Ammer, Christine. American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2013. |
| 2. | ↲ | Kumar, Vijaya. The Sterling Dictionary of Idioms. Sterling Publisher, 2000. |
| 3. | ↲ | Vizetelly, Frank H., De Bekker, L. J. A Desk-book of Idioms and Idiomatic Phrases in English Speech and Literature. New York: Gosset & Dunlop, 1923. |