a poor relation

poor relation

A less desirable substitute for the genuine item. The cheap motorcycle jacket I bought is nice, but it is a poor relation of actual leather.

See also: poor, relation

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

a poor relation

If you describe one thing as a poor relation of another, you mean that it is similar in some ways but not as good or as popular. Watercolour still seems somehow to be the poor relation of oil painting. Grapes for the table have become the poor relation of those used by the wine trade.

See also: poor, relation

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

a poor reˈlation

somebody/something with less importance, respect or power than others: At the peace conference, our country was treated very much as the poor relation.

See also: poor, relation

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017