be (not) a patch on
(redirected from be a patch on)be (not) a patch on
To be just as good as someone or something else. Often used in the negative to emphasize someone's or something's inadequacy. Primarily heard in UK, Australia. Alice is a patch on the lead actress in the school play, which is why she was chosen as the understudy. I loved my old boss. This new guy is not a patch on her.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
not be a ˈpatch on somebody/something
(informal, especially British English) not be nearly as good as somebody/something: The film isn’t a patch on the book.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017