Idiom:  the least you can do

Meaning 

Idiom:  the least you can do (the least you could do)

  • something you should do
  • a polite answer to someone who thanks you (and you feel or wish you could do more)


Example sentences

  • If your mother cooks a special dinner the least you can do is recognize the effort she made.
  • When someone gives you a compliment the least you can do is smile and say thank you.
  • I'm sorry I broke your mother's dish.  The least I could do is apologize to her face-to-face.
  • The least you can do is be on time this evening. I'm tired of always having to wait.
  • No need to thank us—the flowers are the least we could do to thank you for your generous hospitality this past week.
  • A: "Thanks for taking me to the bus stop." B: "You're welcome. It's the least I could do now that I have a car."

  • I put a "do not disturb sign" on the door. The least your staff could do is not enter the room.

  • Writing a thank you note is the least someone can do when they receive a gift but few people take the time to do it.

  • The least the hotel could have done was give us a night free since there were bed bugs in our room.

  • I work so hard to provide for my family. The least they could do is keep their rooms clean and do their chores.

  • The least you could do is treat your customers with respect! I'll never shop here again.

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