let alone
Idioms-
See leave someone alone .
-
Not to mention, as in We have no room for another house guest, let alone an entire family . [c. 1800]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The gruelling French farm tracks with their jagged cobblestones seem barely fit for a cow's hoof, let alone a Lycra-clad cyclists' thin tyre and ultra-light bike.
From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026
Augusta National opens its gates to the world every April but otherwise is so secretive that it won’t confirm how many members it has, let alone name them.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026
Even accounting for bluster, bluff, and negotiation tactics, it’s an extraordinary statement from any world leader, let alone a U.S. president, to make.
From Barron's • Apr. 7, 2026
Without it, it’s hard to enjoy a moment, let alone a day, month, or year.
From Slate • Mar. 29, 2026
It was hard enough to spot one Butterfly, let alone worry about the other ten at the event that weren’t your business.
From "Glitch" by Laura Martin
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
