least

Used to emphasize a complete lack of something, particularly with nouns, indicating 'not at all' or 'not in the slightest'.

• He doesn't have the least remorse for what he did.

not at all; not in any degree or manner.

• "Are you disappointed about not getting the promotion?" "Not in the least."

This idiom suggests that it is often best to say as little as possible about a delicate or problematic issue in order to avoid prolonging it or making it worse.

• About that argument, I think it's best if we keep quiet. 'Least said soonest mended,' right?

A polite expression used to acknowledge someone's thanks, often implying that one feels they should have done more to assist.

• "Thank you for taking care of my cat." "It's the least I can do, considering how much you've helped me before."

Indicates a quantity or degree that is not less than a specified amount.

• This jacket will cost you at least $200.

This idiom suggests that it is often best to say very little about a problematic situation, as discussing it further can make it worse; the less said about a delicate matter, the sooner it will be forgotten.

• It's best we keep quiet about the argument; least said soonest mended, after all.

the minimum acceptable action or behavior that one should do in a particular situation.

• In this situation, the least you could do is apologize.