and then some

Definition

Adverb:
- And considerably more in addition: Used to emphasize that the actual amount, degree, or extent is significantly greater than what has just been stated. It implies an excess beyond a mentioned quantity or expectation.

Usage

The phrase "and then some" is used to intensify a previous statement. It is always placed at the end of a clause to add emphasis, suggesting that the reality surpasses the initial description.
It functions as an adverbial phrase modifying the entire preceding idea.

Examples

Adverb:
- The repair bill was five hundred dollars and then some. (The bill was significantly more than five hundred dollars.)
- She finished all her tasks for the day and then some. (She completed more than all her assigned tasks.)
- That story is exaggerated and then some. (The story is greatly exaggerated, far beyond a simple exaggeration.)

Advanced Usage

To emphasize excess in quantity or degree: Often used in informal contexts to stress that something is not just equal to, but far exceeds, a given measure.
- He's as smart as his brother and then some. (He is not only as smart as his brother but considerably smarter.)
To indicate additional, often unspecified, amount: The "some" refers to an indefinite but substantial extra portion.
- We need to raise another thousand dollars and then some to meet our goal. (We need a thousand dollars plus a significant additional amount.)

Variants and Related Words

Synonyms

Related Idioms

And how!: An exclamation used to express strong agreement or confirmation, sometimes with a similar intensifying function but as a separate interjection.
- "Was it difficult?" "Difficult and how!" (It was extremely difficult.)
To say the least: Used to suggest that a description is an understatement, similar in implying there is more to the story.
- The meeting was unproductive, to say the least. (It was much worse than just unproductive.)

Adverb