Example:
A ugly rumor about him circulated in the city. The person who started it was nothing more, nothing less than his wife.
Can I use the phrase in this way? If not, what's a more adequate option?
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6"none other than", probably. But it would be good if you describe your intended meaning. Do you wish to express the feeling of surprise? Is your native language Russian, and if yes, is the original phrase "не кто иной, как"?– CowperKettleCommented Nov 13, 2016 at 11:24
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@CowperKettle Yes, but I think your suggestion is perfect. Wanna to write an answer instead?– alexCommented Nov 13, 2016 at 11:26
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Or "no one else than" or "nobody else than".– Mr ListerCommented Nov 13, 2016 at 11:37
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5By the way, "wanna to write" is incorrect. The correct phrase is "want to write". Unless you are trying to emulate speech, then you can write "wanna write", without the "to", but only in an informal situation.– Mr ListerCommented Nov 13, 2016 at 11:53
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Shouldn't it be 'An ugly' .. not 'A ugly'. ??– user516076Commented Nov 18, 2021 at 1:53
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2 Answers
You can use the phrase "nothing more, nothing less" in relation to a person, just not as you have. As @CowperKettle has said, the phrase you are looking for is "none other than" (from Oxford Dictionaries):
none other than
Phrase
Used to emphasize the surprising identity of a person or thing:
"her first customer was none other than Henry du Pont"
You might use "nothing more, nothing less" in relation to a person who thinks they are of higher status than they actually are, or a person who tries to act outside their remit or area of responsibility. For example:
He spoke back to the Sergeant. He had to remember he was a private: nothing more, nothing less.
I think that the phrase you are looking for is none other than.
answered Nov 13, 2016 at 11:27
