-1

For the moment, he will also be aware of other odds that are stacked against him not the least being that of becoming the first Pakistani PM to complete a full term.

In the above sentence, why did the writer use the phrasing not the least being that of becoming? I do not understand what it means.

Oliver Mason
  • 3,244
Karthik karthu
  • 1
  • The answer can be found in this thread: https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/273284/what-does-not-the-least-of-which-mean – VTH Jul 27 '18 at 10:41
  • 1
    And in future, as mentioned on [ask], you should include in the question the basic research (using online searches, dictionaries etc.) you have done before asking the question. – TripeHound Jul 27 '18 at 10:43
  • Thank you sir.... I have poor writing skill please suggest me how to improve my writing skill ... – Karthik karthu Jul 27 '18 at 15:08

1 Answers1

-1

These few words require many more to explain!

  1. The first part of the sentence refers to "odds" that are stacked against the person in question;
  2. "odds" in this context means factors or considerations or circumstances;
  3. "not the least" is shorthand for saying that there are a number of odds, some more important than others; opinions may differ on what is the most important, but the following item, if not the most important, is certainly not the least important - hence "not the least";
  4. The second part of the sentence defines this particular factor or circumstance which is not the least - "becoming the first Pakistani PM to complete a full term".

By the way, the words "other odds" in this context suggests that the text which came before this sentence has already discussed one or more odds or factors.

I hope that helps.

user310533
  • 1
  • 2