with the best will in the world
phrase
British
: with the most sincere desire and effort to do something good or worthwhile
—used especially to say that it is not possible to do something even if one wants to do it very much
Even with the best will in the world, the work cannot be done that quickly.
Cite this Entry
“With the best will in the world.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/with%20the%20best%20will%20in%20the%20world. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
