an apology for

an apology for

A poor example of a certain thing. That skinny kid is an apology for a linebacker. I gave you a low grade because the drivel you submitted was an apology for a real paper!

See also: apology

an apology for

a very poor example of.

1998 Imogen de la Bere The Last Deception of Palliser Wentwood It's an apology for a bridge, built of left-over stones.

See also: apology

an apology for something

a very poor example of something: I’m sorry this is a bit of an apology for lunch — we’ll have a proper meal tonight.

See also: apology, something