nigh on

nigh on

1. Almost; approaching; not quite.

   I had been working in this industry for nigh on twelve years when it happened.

   • 1891, Oscar Wilde, chapter XVI, in The Picture of Dorian Gray, London; New York, N.Y.; Melbourne, Vic.: Ward Lock & Co., OCLC 34363729:

     “ […] They say he has sold himself to the devil for a pretty face. It’s nigh on eighteen years since I met him. He hasn’t changed much since then. I have, though,” she added, with a sickly leer.

   • 1964, Ron Angel (lyrics and music), “The ICI Song”:

     I’ve shoveled up the gypsum till it nigh on makes you choke.

• honing