used

be half the [dancer/writer etc.] you used to be

if you are half the dancer, writer etc. you used to be, you are much less good at doing something than you used to be. She's half the tennis-player she used to be.

See also: half, writer

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used to do something

to have done something in the past. A young lady who used to work in my office had seven brothers! We used to visit our parents at Christmas every year.

used to something/doing something

familiar with something. He's used to beginning without me because I'm almost always late. His clothes and manners show he's used to being a celebrity. It's not easy getting used to cold weather if you've been brought up in a hot climate.