what is cracked up to be
not what (someone or something) is cracked up to be
Not as good, enjoyable, impressive, or worthwhile as someone or something is reputed or said to be. Honestly, I didn't think the movie was quite what it was cracked up to be. Maybe I'm just not the right audience for it. She's supposed to be some expert litigator who can quash any legal case before it reaches trial. So far, though, she's not what she's cracked up to be. I know you think I have a great career, but being a video game developer isn't what it's cracked up to be—you work really long hours for not much pay or recognition.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
what someone or something is cracked up to be
what someone or something is supposed to be. This pizza isn't what it's cracked up to be. I wanted to find out whether this stuff was what it is cracked up to be.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.