leave something to be desired
to be insufficient in some aspect.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The service at this restaurant leaves much to be desired.”
“Although the apartment is in a great location, the poor insulation leaves a lot to be desired during the winter.”
“While the author’s technical skill is evident, the lack of emotional depth in the narrative leaves much to be desired for a discerning reader.”
- 01
a little of something goes a long way
Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.
- 02
chalk something up to experience
To take a lesson from a bad outcome instead of grieving it.
- 03
eat and leave no crumbs
Synonym of eat (“to be very good at something; to rule; to rock”).
- 04
French leave
A departure taken quietly and unnoticed, without asking for permission or informing anyone.
- 05
get something over with
To proceed to do something as soon as possible, especially so as to have something unpleasant behind oneself.
- 06
give someone something to think about
To threaten or provide a challenge to.
- 07
give something a go
To try or attempt.
- 08
give something a miss
To forgo something.
Last updated August 10, 2026