(it) beats a sharp stick in the eye

cliché Something is not especially desirable, beneficial, or worthy of excitement, but is still better than nothing; it could be worse. I mean, it was nice of him to get me something for my birthday, but what will I do with a bowling ball? Oh well, beats a sharp stick in the eye, I suppose! A: "Twenty long years of service, and all they're giving me is this cheap watch!" B: "Still, it beats a sharp stick in the eye!" They're offering us $1,000 per person for the settlement. It's not much, but I guess it beats a sharp stick in the eye.