a cut above average
a cut above average
Considered not the best but a little above average. The quality of this dress isn't the finest that I've seen, but it is a cut above average. Your essay was only a cut above average, and you really need to wow the judges to win the top prize. I haven't been that impressed with any of the candidates for the sales position—they've been just a cut above average.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
a cut above average
better than average. John isn't the best mechanic in town, but he's a cut above average.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.