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Phrase

better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick

1. (humorous) Better than nothing; not unsatisfactory but also not a reason for enthusiastic excitement.
   • 1994 Oct. 7, Todd S. Purdum, "The 1994 Campaign: After Wary Weeks, Dinkins Announces Support for Cuomo," New York Times (retrieved 13 Sep 2015):

     Mr. Cuomo described the Dinkins endorsement as politically significant, but it is unclear just how much it matters. . . . "Better than a poke in the eye with a sharp stick," to borrow one of the former Mayor's favorite maxims.

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