nine-tenths

Noun

Meaning

(literally) Nine parts out of ten; 90%; 9/10.

(loosely) Almost all; the vast majority.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Examples

Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time. Theodore Roosevelt

I think that one possible definition of our modern culture is that it is one in which nine-tenths of our intellectuals can't read any poetry. Randall Jarrell

Nine-tenths of tactics are certain, and taught in books: but the irrational tenth is like the kingfisher flashing across the pool, and that is the test of generals. T. E. Lawrence

Don't knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once in a while. Kin Hubbard

Possession is nine-tenths of the game. American Proverb

Possession is nine-tenths of the law. Irish Proverb

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