You can/could do worse than do something

phrase

There are less successful or suitable things that you could do or choose.

If you're looking for a reliable car, you could do worse than buy a Honda.
Visual representation of "you can/could do worse than do something" - There are less successful or suitable things that you could do or choose

Often appears as...

  • do worse than buy
  • do worse than try

Usage tips

Approving

Idiomatic

phrase

There are less successful or suitable things that you could do or choose.

If you're looking for a reliable car, you could do worse than buy a Honda.
Visual representation of "you can/could do worse than do something" - There are less successful or suitable things that you could do or choose

Often appears as...

  • do worse than buy
  • do worse than try

Usage tips

Approving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "you can/could do worse than do something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Positive Suggestion

This phrase usually hints at a recommendation rather than being a strong endorsement.

Illustration for Positive Suggestion
You could do worse than check out the local museum while you're in town.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Mild Approval

Use this phrase to gently praise something when you don't want to sound overly enthusiastic.

Illustration for Mild Approval
For a budget-friendly meal, you could do worse than eat at this diner.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Hidden Compliment

Sometimes this phrase can imply that an option is better than one might initially think.

Illustration for Hidden Compliment
She might seem strict, but you could do worse than have Mrs. Thompson as your teacher.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Positive Suggestion

This phrase usually hints at a recommendation rather than being a strong endorsement.

Illustration for Positive Suggestion
You could do worse than check out the local museum while you're in town.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Mild Approval

Use this phrase to gently praise something when you don't want to sound overly enthusiastic.

Illustration for Mild Approval
For a budget-friendly meal, you could do worse than eat at this diner.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Hidden Compliment

Sometimes this phrase can imply that an option is better than one might initially think.

Illustration for Hidden Compliment
She might seem strict, but you could do worse than have Mrs. Thompson as your teacher.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Positive Suggestion

This phrase usually hints at a recommendation rather than being a strong endorsement.

Illustration for Positive Suggestion
You could do worse than check out the local museum while you're in town.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Mild Approval

Use this phrase to gently praise something when you don't want to sound overly enthusiastic.

Illustration for Mild Approval
For a budget-friendly meal, you could do worse than eat at this diner.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Hidden Compliment

Sometimes this phrase can imply that an option is better than one might initially think.

Illustration for Hidden Compliment
She might seem strict, but you could do worse than have Mrs. Thompson as your teacher.
Visual representation of the word "You can/could do worse than do something"

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