Phrase guide

better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick

phrase · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

phrase

Meaning 1

Better than nothing; not unsatisfactory but also not a reason for enthusiastic excitement.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: humorous

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: better than a kick in the teeth

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: lepší než drátem do oka. — better than nothing
  • Italian: meglio di un pugno in un occhio — better than nothing