at the best of times
(idiomatic) Even under the most favourable conditions.
At the best of times his face was unreadable. Now his face was a book written in a language long forgotten, in an alphabet unimagined. Silas wrapped the shadows around him like a blanket, and stared after the way the boy had gone, and did not move to follow. Neil Gaiman
Only trying to make conversation, friend.” "Don't bother-it's an overrated activity at the best of times. Alastair Reynolds
I don't like flying at the best of times. And as I get older, I like it less and less. I don't much like driving, either. I prefer to be driven. And, when I'm in London, I don't even like walking on the street. I can never get used to looking the right way when I cross the street. Christopher Walken
But at the best of times she feels like a character in a Muriel Spark novel - independent, bookish, sharp-minded, secretly romantic. David Nicholls
I use very few muscles at the best of times. Johnny Vegas