fair to middling

Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

Who would have thought that a movie that got only fair to middling reviews when it premiered would wind up with a live musical experience and a Diane Sawyer special?

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 30, 2022

Isaac cage match, which supplies fair to middling action and sentiment and consistently satisfying laughs.

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2022

Seems as if their defense might be at least fair to middling.

From Washington Post • Jan. 16, 2022

Just a fair to middling QB otherwise, those victories cemented Manning’s place as a legendary New York sports figure.

From Washington Times • Nov. 29, 2017

"Pretty fair to middling vague," said Yerkes, "but"—judicially—"almost worth investigating!"

From The Ivory Trail by Mundy, Talbot