Japanese grammar · no level in the source

〜なきにしもあらずmeaning and usage

Meaning

A is not impossible; there is some small chance of A. Shows the small/low possibility of A

How to form it

  • nounも/がなきにしもあらず（だ）

How it is used

An old-style phrase meaning 'it is not entirely absent': the chance is small but not zero. It often follows words like 「可能性」 or 「望み」 and sounds stiff; in everyday speech 「〜なくはない」 says much the same.

Examples

  1. 今から急げば、間に合う可能性もなきにしもあらずだ。

    If we hurry now, there's still some chance we'll make it.

  2. 雨が止めば、試合ができる望みもなきにしもあらずです。

    If the rain stops, there's still some hope the game can go ahead.