Partly; in part.

(idiomatic) Irregularly, occurring in irregular time intervals or patterns.

simple past tense and past participle of lend an ear

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of lend an ear

present participle of lend an ear

An action or occurrence must be very bad indeed if it brings no benefit to anyone.

(idiomatic, Australia, New Zealand) A very small amount, or the absolute minimum (usually of money).

Alternative form of there is an exception to every rule

(chiefly US) Given that one is partly involved in or committed to a project, action, position, etc., there is no reason to refrain from becoming fully involved or fully committed.

Many people will seek credit for success, but few will accept responsibility for failure.