はおろか (wa-oroka): Let alone; not even
～はおろか (wa-oroka)
Meaning
Let alone; not even
Formation and usage
N + はおろか + lesser N + も／さえ + negative
Notation: N = noun; V dictionary = dictionary-form verb; V stem = the stem before ます; plain clause = plain-form clause; negative stem = the form before ない. Follow the attachment shown above.
Explanation
Denies even a more basic item, making the first item still less attainable; order the scale carefully.
Examples
資料を読むことはおろか、開くことさえできなかった。
I could not even open the documents, let alone read it.
報告書を読むことはおろか、開くことさえできなかった。
I could not even open the report, let alone read it.
説明書を読むことはおろか、開くことさえできなかった。
I could not even open the instructions, let alone read it.
計画書を読むことはおろか、開くことさえできなかった。
I could not even open the written plan, let alone read it.
申込書を読むことはおろか、開くことさえできなかった。
I could not even open the application form, let alone read it.
How related patterns differ
さえ and すら give extreme examples; たりとも excludes even the smallest amount. はおろか denies a more basic case. どころか counters an expectation; どころではない leaves no room to act. のみ and にすぎない limit things with different emphasis.