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acceptable, but not exceptional
The idiom "fair to middling" originated from the grading system used by farmers and merchants to label the quality of agricultural products, particularly cotton. The grading system classified products as "fine," "good," "fair," "middling," and "ordinary," with "fair to middling" representing a moderate level of quality. Over time, the phrase transitioned into everyday speech, coming to mean "average" or "slightly above average" by the 1860s.

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to fail to fulfill one's expectations
The idiom "leave a lot to be desired" originated in the late 1700s. It is used to express that something is imperfect, unsatisfactory, or not as good as it should be. The phrase is used to imply that the quality or standard of something falls short of expectations or requirements

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in a very unfavorable or disadvantageous condition
The idiom "in bad nick" originated in British English and is used to describe something or someone that is in a bad, poor, or terrible condition. The term "nick" in this context refers to a state or condition of being. This expression is mostly used to suggest that the subject being referred to is in a subpar, deteriorated, or unsatisfactory state. It can be used to describe physical objects, personal appearance, health, or overall performance.

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used to say that a person or thing is not as good as other people say they are
The idiom "cracked up to be" originated in the early 20th century and is derived from the slang usage of the word "cracked," meaning mentally unstable or unreliable. The phrase is used to express disappointment or a realization that something or someone is not as good or impressive as they were previously believed or described to be.

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a thing that is less desirable or has a lower quality or price than what was mentioned
The idiom "the poor man's something" originated as a comparison that implies a cheaper or inferior alternative to a desirable or more expensive counterpart. The phrase is mainly used to suggest a substitute or approximation that is accessible to those with limited means or resources.

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in a very bad physical condition due to being used for an extended period of time
The idiom "worse for wear" originated in the 19th century and is derived from the idea of an object or person showing signs of deterioration or damage after prolonged use or wear. The phrase is used to describe something or someone that is in a poor or deteriorated physical condition due to extensive or prolonged use, often implying that the item or individual has experienced a significant amount of wear and tear, resulting in a diminished state or appearance.

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something that is done vey poorly
The idiom "dog's breakfast" originated in the early 20th century and is derived from the behavior of dogs when they eat in a messy and disorderly manner. The phrase is used figuratively to describe something that is poorly organized, chaotic, or a complete mess. In other words, it conveys the idea of a haphazard state, often referring to a situation or outcome that is disorganized, mishandled, or unsatisfactory in nature.

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used to suggest someone that a particular course of action or choice is better than what they think, even though it is still bad
The idiom "someone could do worse" is used to suggest that a particular choice or action is not a bad one, implying that there are many alternatives that are worse. It is often used to advise someone that a certain course of action would be quite a good thing to do.

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used to refer to something that cannot be restored to its original or previous condition
The idiom "beyond recall" originates from the English language and has been in use for centuries. It signifies that something is no longer possible to remember how it was or to bring it back to its original condition. This expression is often used to convey that a situation or action has reached a point where it cannot be undone or reversed.

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(of a piece of clothing) looking shabby and worn-out
The idiom "out at elbows" originated from the literal description of clothing that is worn-out and shabby, specifically referring to the elbows of a garment that have become visibly frayed or threadbare over time. It can be used to comment on the poor condition of someone's clothing.

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in a depressed, bad, or weakened state
The idiom "at a low ebb" originates from the concept of the ebb tide, which refers to the period when the tide is at its lowest point, signifying a state of decline or depression. The phrase is primarily used to describe a situation or a person's state of being when they are in a bad or weak condition, experiencing a low point or a downturn.

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used to refer to machinary that is not functioning properly or at all
The idiom "on the blink" originated from the writings of George V. Hobart, a Canadian-American author who wrote under the pseudonym Hugh McHugh. In his book "John Henry" published in 1901, he used the phrase to mean that one of his characters would become agitated, which is the first known use of the idiom in its complete form. The more general use of the word "blink" as a verb, meaning 'confuse,' can be found much earlier. The phrase is now used to describe something, typically a mechanical or electrical device, that is malfunctioning or not working correctly.

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unable to operate normally for a limited time
The idiom "out of action" originated in the early 20th century, drawing its roots from military terminology. It refers to the state of being unavailable or unable to function due to damage, injury, or temporary removal from service. Originally used to describe soldiers who were incapacitated or unable to participate in combat, the phrase has since expanded to include a broader range of contexts. It is now used to refer to situations where objects, systems, or individuals are rendered inactive, non-operational, or unable to perform their intended functions.

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(of a machine) to fail to work properly
The idiom "give up the ghost" finds its origin in religious and biblical references, specifically from the King James Version of the Bible. The phrase is derived from the concept of the soul or spirit departing from a person's body upon death. It is now used metaphorically to describe the moment when a machine, device, or mechanical system ceases to function properly or completely fails. The expression implies that the machine has reached the end of its operational life or has become irreparably damaged, likening its failure to the final departure of the soul from a deceased body.

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looking cheap, worn, or filthy
The idiom "down at heel" originated from the literal condition of a shoe, where the heel is worn out or in poor condition. The phrase became popular in the 19th century and was often used to describe someone who had fallen on hard times and was unable to afford new clothes or shoes. Today, the phrase is still used in both British and American English to describe someone who looks scruffy or unkempt.
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