at bottom

at bottom

Basically; ultimately. I know John can be annoying, but at bottom he's a good person.
See also: bottom
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

at bottom

Fundamentally, basically; also, in reality. For example, He may speak somewhat bluntly, but at bottom he's always honest. Charles Dickens used this idiom in Nicholas Nickleby (1838): "He's a good pony at bottom." [Early 1700s]
See also: bottom
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

at ˈbottom

basically; in reality: She seems rather unfriendly, but at bottom I think she’s quite kind.
See also: bottom
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

at bottom

Basically.
See also: bottom
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • be at the bottom of (something)
  • be at the bottom of something
  • at the bottom of the hour
  • the bottom of the hour
  • lie at the bottom of (something)
  • from the bottom of (one's) heart
  • from the bottom of heart
  • from the bottom of my heart
  • from the bottom of one's heart
  • from the bottom of your heart