not a patch on

not a patch on (someone or something)

Not nearly as good as someone or something. The replacement actor did a serviceable job, but he isn't a patch on the original lead. I loved my old computer—this new one is not a patch on it.

See also: not, on, patch

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

not a patch on

greatly inferior to. British informal

1991 Mavis Nicholson Martha Jane & Me We thought the uniform of our soldiers was ‘pathetic’, not a patch on the American soldiers' uniform.

See also: not, on, patch

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017