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Definition

to be insufficient in some aspect.

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In Context

  • "These instructions are too short not to leave something to be desired under certain circumstances; but the knowledge of veterinary surgeons will supply whatever may be incomplete[…]"
  • "[…]the drawings of the bats, though very artistic, leave something to be desired as regards detail."
  • "Nevertheless, the trains are well patronised, for road services in the district leave something to be desired."
  • "To say Cuban train toilets leave something to be desired would not just be an understatement, it would suggest the person speaking inhabited an altogether alien reality."
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See Also

  • leave a lot to be desired
  • leave much to be desired
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Related Idioms

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look on the bright side of it

To examine an aspect or facet of something in a positive view.

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sour note

A negative aspect to something mostly positive.

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turn tail

To turn away from someone or something, in preparation for running awa…

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eat and leave no crumbs

Synonym of eat (“to be very good at something; to rule; to rock”).

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leave the door open

To maintain the possibility of something happening in the future.

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leave the ball in someone's court

To hand over the responsibility or choice to someone to make a decisio…
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