be no great shakes

be no great shakes

slang To be mediocre, unimpressive or disappointing. I don't know why everyone loves that restaurant so much—I've been there before, and it's no great shakes. That defenseman makes a lot of money, but if you ask me, he's no great shakes.

See also: great, no, shake

be no great ˈshakes

(informal) be not very good, efficient, suitable, etc: He’s no great shakes as a teacher. ♢ ‘What did you think of the movie?’ ‘It was no great shakes.’

See also: great, no, shake