leave a great deal to be desired

leave a great deal to be desired

To be very inadequate or unsatisfactory; to lack a large amount of what is desired or required. The film has a very interesting premise, but the final product leaves a great deal to be desired. I wasn't expecting a huge amount from a budget hostel, but this place leaves a great deal to be desired nonetheless.
See also: deal, desire, great, leave
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • leave lots to be desired
  • leave much to be desired
  • much
  • leave a lot to be desired
  • leave a lot, much, etc. to be desired
  • leave something to be desired
  • under control
  • be not up to the mark
  • be under par
  • it/that will never do