nigh : Idioms & Phrases

• to approach in place or quality to be equal to. "Nothing ancient or modern seems to come near it." Sir W. Temple.

Webster 1913

• adverb (of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
  about; nigh; almost; most; near; nearly; virtually.
  
  • the job is (just) about done
  • the baby was almost asleep when the alarm sounded
  • we're almost finished
  • the car all but ran her down
  • he nearly fainted
  • talked for nigh onto 2 hours
  • the recording is well-nigh perfect
  • virtually all the parties signed the contract
  • I was near exhausted by the run
  • most everyone agrees

WordNet

Well"-nigh` adverb

Definitions

1. Almost; nearly. Chaucer.

Webster 1913