At best

Best Best, n. Utmost; highest endeavor or state; most nearly perfect thing, or being, or action; as, to do one's best; to the best of our ability. [1913 Webster]

{At best}, in the utmost degree or extent applicable to the case; under the most favorable circumstances; as, life is at best very short.

{For best}, finally. [Obs.] ``Those constitutions . . . are now established for best, and not to be mended.'' --Milton.

{To get the best of}, to gain an advantage over, whether fairly or unfairly.

{To make the best of}. (a) To improve to the utmost; to use or dispose of to the greatest advantage. ``Let there be freedom to carry their commodities where they can make the best of them.'' --Bacon. (b) To reduce to the least possible inconvenience; as, to make the best of ill fortune or a bad bargain. [1913 Webster]