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    No tengo ni la menor idea

    Grammar & Usage

    fixed expression
    neutral

    How it works

    Formed by the negated verb 'no tengo' (first-person singular present of 'tener') followed by the emphatic negative conjunction 'ni' (not even) and the superlative noun phrase 'la menor idea' (the slightest idea). It acts as an emphatic declaration of complete lack of knowledge or certainty regarding a topic.

    Sample sentences

    ¿Dónde están las llaves? — No tengo ni la menor idea.

    Where are the keys? — I don't have the slightest idea.

    No tengo ni la menor idea de cómo funciona este aparato.

    I have no idea how this device works.

    Le pregunté a qué hora llegaría el tren, pero no tenía ni la menor idea.

    I asked him what time the train would arrive, but he had no idea.

    Quick facts

    emphasis:Use of 'ni' strengthens the negation equivalent to 'not even'
    literal_meaning:I do not have not even the smallest idea
    verb_conjugation:tener (present indicative, 1st person singular)

    Mnemonic

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    Example

    ¿Dónde están las llaves? — No tengo ni la menor idea.

    Where are the keys? — I don't have the slightest idea.

    No tengo ni la menor idea de cómo funciona este aparato.

    I have no idea how this device works.

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