Describing Qualities - Poor Quality or Condition

Explore English idioms regarding poor quality or condition with examples like "worse for wear" and "beyond recall".

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Describing Qualities
fair to middling
fair to middling [phrase]

acceptable, but not exceptional

Ex: The movie received fair to middling reviews , with critics expressing mixed opinions about its quality .
to [leave] {sth} to be desired
to [leave] {sth} to be desired [phrase]

to fail to fulfill one's expectations

Ex: The quality of the product leaves something to be desired , as it often malfunctions .
in (bad|poor|terrible) nick
in (bad|poor|terrible) nick [phrase]

in a very unfavorable or disadvantageous condition

Ex: Due to a lack of exercise and a sedentary lifestyle , his fitness level was in terrible nick , leading to various health issues .
cracked up to be
cracked up to be [phrase]

used to say that a person or thing is not as good as other people say they are

Ex: The celebrity 's performance at the concert was lackluster ; it was n't as captivating as it was cracked up to be .
the poor man's {sth}
the poor man's {sth} [phrase]

a thing that is less desirable or has a lower quality or price than what was mentioned

Ex: The discount brand of coffee is the poor man 's version of the high-end specialty coffees available at upscale cafes .
worse for wear
worse for wear [phrase]

in a very bad physical condition due to being used for an extended period of time

Ex: He returned from the intense workout at the gym , drenched in sweat and worse for wear , feeling utterly exhausted .
dog's (breakfast|dinner)
dog's (breakfast|dinner) [phrase]

something that is done vey poorly

Ex: The party preparations were a dog 's breakfast ; decorations were haphazardly placed , and the schedule was poorly planned .
{sb} could do worse
{sb} could do worse [sentence]

used to suggest someone that a particular course of action or choice is better than what they think, even though it is still bad

Ex: When it comes to choosing a career path , you could do worse than pursuing a degree in engineering .
beyond recall
beyond recall [phrase]

used to refer to something that cannot be restored to its original or previous condition

Ex: The decision to close the factory is beyond recall now , as all the equipment has been dismantled .
out at (the|) elbows
out at (the|) elbows [phrase]

(of a piece of clothing) looking shabby and worn-out

Ex: His favorite pair of jeans became out at elbows after years of regular use , developing holes and signs of distress .
at a low ebb
at a low ebb [phrase]

in a depressed, bad, or weakened state

Ex: The team 's morale was at a low ebb following a series of defeats .
on the blink
on the blink [phrase]

used to refer to machinary that is not functioning properly or at all

Ex: The car 's air conditioning is on the blink , making the summer drives quite uncomfortable .
out of action
out of action [phrase]

unable to operate normally for a limited time

Ex: The computer system crashed , leaving the entire office out of action until the IT team resolves the issue .
to [give] up the ghost
to [give] up the ghost [phrase]

(of a machine) to fail to work properly

Ex: After years of reliable service , the washing machine finally gave up the ghost and had to be replaced .
down at heel
down at heel [phrase]

looking cheap, worn, or filthy

Ex: The town has become very down at heel .
Describing Qualities
Good Quality or Condition Poor Quality or Condition Boring or Interesting Comparison
Similar or Dissimilar Order and Tidiness Old & New Things Shape, Color & Texture
Place & Position Location & Placement Compatibility & Incompatibility Suitability & Unsuitability
Usefulness & Value Nature Vehicles Describing Qualities