What does “To a fault” mean?
"To a fault" means to an excessive or extreme degree.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He is generous to a fault, always giving more than he needs to.
Example
She is a perfectionist to a fault, never satisfied with anything less than perfect.
Example
He is stubborn to a fault, refusing to change his mind even when presented with new information
Is “To a fault” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“To a fault” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “To a fault” effectively in context?
You can use "To a fault" to describe someone or something that possesses a certain quality or characteristic to an excessive or extreme degree. It implies that the person or thing goes beyond what is considered normal or reasonable. For example, if someone is extremely generous, you might say, 'He is generous "to a fault", always giving more than he needs to.'
- 1Generosity
He is generous to a fault, always giving more than he needs to.
- 2Perfectionism
She is a perfectionist to a fault, never satisfied with anything less than perfect.
- 3Stubbornness
He is stubborn to a fault, refusing to change his mind even when presented with new information.
Similar phrases to “To a fault”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “To a fault” come from?
The origin of the phrase "To a fault" is unknown.
Is “To a fault” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "To a fault" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to emphasize someone's extreme behavior or characteristics.
What tone does “To a fault” have?
"To a fault" conveys a tone of exaggeration and emphasis. It highlights the excessive or extreme nature of someone's behavior or characteristics.
Can “To a fault” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "To a fault" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts to describe someone or something that possesses a certain quality or characteristic to an excessive or extreme degree.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He is generous "to a fault", always giving more than he needs to.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'He is generous "to a fault"!' to imply someone's excessive generosity.
