fair to middling

Idioms and Phrases

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 .

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

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

From New York Times

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

From Washington Post

His putting on Bermuda is very fair to middling but with him likely to be creating a lot of opportunities an average putting display this week should be more than enough to return value.

From Golf Digest

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

From Washington Times