Not a patch on

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Meaning

Way below or less than, no match.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to sewing; 'patch' meant less, slang by 1860s in a Trollope tale for short. A 1870s 'Times' uses it for a dud.

Usage Examples

  • He's not a patch on her; way worse.
  • Not a patch on; old one's best.
  • Patch on; she beats him easy.

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