The phrase "not a little" is an expression that is used to emphasize a significant degree or extent of something, usually indicating that it is much greater or more substantial than expected or initially perceived. It can be seen as a way of emphasizing the magnitude of a particular quality, characteristic, action, or event.
In essence, "not a little" implies that the described object or situation is not just a small or insignificant amount, but rather considerable or noteworthy. It conveys a sense of surprise, amplification, or contrast by highlighting the unexpectedly large size, importance, significance, or impact of something.
For example, if someone says, "She was not a little surprised," it means that she was extremely surprised, possibly even overwhelmed or taken aback. Similarly, if a manager states, "The success of the project was not a little due to your efforts," they are emphasizing that the person's contribution was significant and played a crucial role in the project's achievement.
Overall, "not a little" serves as a linguistic tool to accentuate the extent or intensity of a particular concept, emphasizing its prominence or scale, and adding emphasis by magnifying its significance or magnitude.
