Hardly worth mentioning
Meaning
Used to indicate that something is so minor or insignificant that it scarcely merits attention or discussion.
Origin
Hardly worth mentioning isn't a phrase born from ancient rituals or battlefield heroics; it’s a quiet, everyday tool forged in the crucible of human social interaction. It arose naturally from the straightforward combination of 'hardly' (meaning barely or scarcely) and 'worth mentioning' (deserving of comment). English speakers, seeking a polite or modest way to dismiss the significance of something—whether an effort, a cost, or a problem—found this simple construction to be perfectly apt. It allows one to acknowledge something without elevating its importance, gracefully signaling that an item is too minor to warrant extended discussion, often serving as a subtle act of humility or reassurance in conversation.
Examples
- The cost of the extra sugar for the cake was hardly worth mentioning compared to the price of all the other ingredients.
- When asked about his contribution to the team's success, he modestly replied that his part was hardly worth mentioning.