(idiomatic) To a point of exceptional proficiency.

(simile) Particularly or extremely flat.

(Britain) Within a very short distance.

A normally unreliable person or instrument can occasionally provide correct information, even if only by accident.

(simile) Very cute; adorable.

A failure remains a failure, regardless of how close to success one has actually come.

It is easy to get money from foolish people. / It is difficult or unlikely that foolish people maintain their hold on acquired wealth.

(idiomatic, usually with a negative) By a wide margin; indicates a very big difference or disparity.

Cooking food for a man is a good way to win his affections.

You can't get away with a lie; the truth will always come out.