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bestenfalls

at best, at the very most

adverb BES-ten-fals Rare
Grammar & Structure Adverbs

Usage Note

Bestenfalls sets the upper limit of an optimistic scenario; its counterpart is schlimmstenfalls ('at worst'). It often signals tempered expectations: Das wird bestenfalls funktionieren ('That will work at best'). Used in both spoken and written German.

Examples

"Bestenfalls kommen wir mit einem blauen Auge davon."

Natural Translation

At best, we will get away with a black eye.

Literal Translation

At-best come we with a blue eye away.

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