more or less
more or less
1. Mostly or basically. This model of car has everything I'm looking for, more or less.
2. Approximately or nearly. That dinner was pretty inexpensive—$30, more or less.
See also: less, more
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
more or less
somewhat; approximately; a phrase used to express vagueness or uncertainty. Henry: I think this one is what I want, more or less. Clerk: A very wise choice, sir. I spent more or less a half hour waiting for my flight to depart.
See also: less, more
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
more or less
1. Approximately, as in The truck will hold nine yards of dirt, more or less. This usage was first recorded in 1589.
2. Basically, essentially, as in We more or less agree on the substance of the letter. This usage was first recorded about 1225.
See also: less, more
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
ˌmore or ˈless
1 almost: I’ve more or less finished reading the book. She’s finished, more or less.
2 approximately: It cost €200, more or less.
See also: less, more
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
more or less
Approximately. This term has been around since the thirteenth century and still serves as an inexact answer. It also has been subject to numerous word plays, such as “More or less, but rather less than more” (Phoebe’s comment on her betrothal to Wilfred, W. S. Gilbert, The Yeomen of the Guard); “A little more than kin and less than kind” (Shakespeare, Hamlet, 1.2); and “Less is more” (the simpler the better; Robert Browning, “Andrea del Sarto”).
See also: less, more
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
- buy cheap, buy twice
- cheap and nasty
- jug wine
- getting on for (something)
- getting on for...
- cheapest is dearest
- stogies
- blue plate special
- cheap and cheerful
- not break the bank