fair to middling
Mediocre, pretty good, so-so, as in I asked them how they liked their new home and John answered, “Fair to middling. This phrase, often a reply to an inquiry about one's health, business, or the like, is redundant, since fair and middling both mean “moderately good.” [Mid-1800s] Also see can't complain.
Words Nearby fair to middling
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
How to use fair to middling in a sentence
Based on the poetry-in-progress quoted in the novel, Harry seems at best a fair-to-middling poet.
She concerned herself far more with Luke, an active, fair-to-middling American boy somewhat inclined to be spoiled.
The Gorgeous Girl | Nalbro BartleyHe for one had enjoyed himself just fair-to-middling, he said.
Gray youth | Oliver Onions"Moore, he's a fair-to-middling horse," said Belllounds, with the air of judge of horseflesh.
The Mysterious Rider | Zane GreyHe played a fair-to-middling game; and nothing more need be said of him.
The Lion's Share | E. Arnold Bennett
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