be (not) 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 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.

See also: on, patch

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.

See also: not, on, patch, somebody, something