Describing Qualities - Usefulness & Value

Master English idioms regarding usefulness and value, like "dead as a dodo" and "worth the candle".

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English Idioms used to Describe Qualities

better than nothing

[phrase]

used to say that having a particular thing that is considered lesser or lower in quality or worth is more preferable than having nothing at all

Ex: I couldn't find the exact book I needed at the library, but I borrowed a related book instead because it was better than having no reference material at all.

like gold dust

[phrase]

(of something valuable and desirable) extremely difficult to get, particularly due to a lot of people desiring it as well

Ex: In the real estate market, affordable and well-located properties are like gold dust, often quickly snatched up by buyers.

alive and well

[phrase]

(of something) still successful, prosperous, or popular

Ex: Traditional craftsmanship is alive and well in this small town, with skilled artisans creating handmade products that are in high demand.

in hand

[phrase]

used to refer to something that is almost ready and can be put to use when needed

Ex: We have the necessary permits in hand, so construction can begin as scheduled.

treasure trove

[noun]

a thing or a set of things considered very dear or valuable to one

Ex: The musician 's notebook was a treasure trove of unreleased songs and lyrics , providing a glimpse into their creative process .

(as) dead as a dodo

[phrase]

not as popular or interesting as before

Ex: Traditional landline telephones are viewed as dead as a dodo in the era of smartphones.

(as) dead as mutton

[phrase]

not functional or in general use anymore

Ex: The decrepit mansion had fallen into disrepair, its grandeur now dead as mutton, a relic of a bygone era.

out of date

[phrase]

no longer useful or fashionable

Ex: The news article contains information that is out of date, as the events it refers to have already taken place.

ad hoc

[Adjective]

done for a specific purpose or situation

Ex: The ad hoc committee was tasked with reviewing the proposal and providing recommendations.

worth the candle

[phrase]

(of an achievement) completely worth all the effort one puts in or all the trouble one goes through

Ex: The manager decided that the potential benefits of implementing the new workflow system were worth the candle, even though it required significant training and adjustment.

dead and buried

[phrase]

(of a thing) cannot happen or exist again in the future, due to being completely finished in the past

Ex: With the rise of digital music streaming, physical CDs are slowly becoming dead and buried as a popular format for music consumption.

up to the mark

[phrase]

good enough to meet a certain requirement or standard

Ex: The repairs were up to the mark, ensuring the machine worked properly.

rough and ready

[phrase]

simple but good enough to fulfill a particular need or purpose

Ex: The company's marketing campaign was a rough and ready effort, executed on a tight budget but still generating positive results.

mumbo jumbo

[noun]

complicated activities, rituals, or words that lack any real purpose

Ex: The conspiracy theory was nothing more than a collection of baseless claims and mumbo jumbo, lacking any credible evidence .

crowning glory

[noun]

the most important or the greatest part of something

Ex: The grand finale of the performance is the crowning glory of the entire show , leaving the audience in awe .

(as) useful as a chocolate teapot

[phrase]

completely useless or ineffective for its intended purpose

Ex: The meeting without an agenda or clear objectives was as useful as a chocolate teapot, wasting everyone's time.

behind the times

[phrase]

(of a thing) outdated or no longer relevant to current trends or technology

Ex: His insistence on using a typewriter instead of a computer highlights how he is behind the times in terms of technology.

old chestnut

[noun]

a joke, story, or topic of discussion that has become repetitive and uninteresting

Ex: I do n't want to hear your old chestnut theory about aliens causing crop circles . It 's been debunked countless times .

up to speed

[phrase]

having reached the desired level of knowledge, understanding, or proficiency in a particular subject, skill, or task

Ex: A new firm not yet up to speed.

black gold

[phrase]

used to describe petroleum or oil due to its immense value and economic significance

Ex: The oil boom transformed the small town into a prosperous city, with its economy fueled by black gold.

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

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