What does but only just mean?

This phrase was used like this:

The 420 came and he thought about getting on that but he wasn’t sure of the route.
Eventually, the 157 came and he got on but only just.

Answers

justinc

9 May 2015

Maltese
English (UK)

I guess it depends. Natural languages (e.g. English) leave a lot to context and even imagination.

In this case, I can think of the following:

a) He got on the 157 (bus or train I would imagine) but it was so packed with people that he barely made it in.

b) He had to run to the 157 and managed to get in "only just" because it was about to leave. (but since he was already at the pickup point (since 420 already came by), I am inclined to reject this).

hana-fk

9 May 2015

Japanese

Thank you for the answer!
I'm sorry I forgot writing an important fact: The bus he was waiting for the 157.
He was waiting for a long time, but the 157 didn't come. The 420 was coming and he was about getting on it, but he wasn't.

I figure a) is correct. I understood.