Not half bad

adjective

Better or more agreeable than one might expect; satisfactory or good.

I didn't think I'd like the movie, but it was not half bad.
Visual representation of "not half bad" - Better or more agreeable than one might expect; satisfactory or good.

Often appears as...

  • that's not half bad
  • you're not half bad

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

adjective

Better or more agreeable than one might expect; satisfactory or good.

I didn't think I'd like the movie, but it was not half bad.
Visual representation of "not half bad" - Better or more agreeable than one might expect; satisfactory or good.

Often appears as...

  • that's not half bad
  • you're not half bad

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial, Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "not half bad"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Positive Surprise

Indicates something is better than expected, often used after initial skepticism.

Illustration for Positive Surprise
The band was not half bad; actually, I'd see them again.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Understatement

Sometimes used to modestly understate one's positive opinion about something.

Illustration for Understatement
You said your cooking wasn't great, but it's not half bad!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal Praise

Used in casual conversation, more informal than direct praise.

Illustration for Informal Praise
Your idea for the project is not half bad—let's discuss it more.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Positive Surprise

Indicates something is better than expected, often used after initial skepticism.

Illustration for Positive Surprise
The band was not half bad; actually, I'd see them again.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Understatement

Sometimes used to modestly understate one's positive opinion about something.

Illustration for Understatement
You said your cooking wasn't great, but it's not half bad!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal Praise

Used in casual conversation, more informal than direct praise.

Illustration for Informal Praise
Your idea for the project is not half bad—let's discuss it more.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Positive Surprise

Indicates something is better than expected, often used after initial skepticism.

Illustration for Positive Surprise
The band was not half bad; actually, I'd see them again.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Understatement

Sometimes used to modestly understate one's positive opinion about something.

Illustration for Understatement
You said your cooking wasn't great, but it's not half bad!
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal Praise

Used in casual conversation, more informal than direct praise.

Illustration for Informal Praise
Your idea for the project is not half bad—let's discuss it more.
Visual representation of the word "Not half bad"

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