Meaning of leave something to be desired | Babel Free

Definitions

to be insufficient in some aspect.

idiomatic

Examples

“These instructions are too short not to leave something to be desired under certain circumstances; but the knowledge of veterinary surgeons will supply whatever may be incomplete[…]”

“[…]the drawings of the bats, though very artistic, leave something to be desired as regards detail.”

“Nevertheless, the trains are well patronised, for road services in the district leave something to be desired.”

“To say Cuban train toilets leave something to be desired would not just be an understatement, it would suggest the person speaking inhabited an altogether alien reality.”

CEFR level