better than nothing

better than nothing

An acknowledgment that a particular thing, although not ideal, is preferable to nothing at all. After two weeks, I finally got a return phone call from that company, which is better than nothing, I guess. Yeah, her gift was late, but it's better than nothing, at least.
See also: better, nothing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

(It's) better than nothing.

Having something that is not satisfactory is better than having nothing at all. John: How do you like your dinner? Jane: It's better than nothing. John: That bad, huh? John: Did you see your room? How do you like it? Jane: Well, I guess it's better than nothing.
See also: better, nothing
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • (something) is better than nothing
  • is better than nothing
  • best of the bunch
  • two for two
  • speak of the devil
  • speak/talk of the devil
  • talk of the devil
  • speak of the devil, and he appears
  • be better off dead
  • change (one's) ways
References in classic literature
As our little Georgiana said, three five-pound notes are better than nothing, and if you sell a necklace you can buy things with the produce.'
Our Mutual Friend
But I said I was willing to let her hang him for destroying the well; so she concluded to put up with that, as it was better than nothing.
Connecticut Yankee
"I don't think we as a planning committee want people to accept something just because it's better than nothing."
Green light for 'slums of future'
'Mas maganda, better than nothing, kasi ang alam ko ang in-e-expect ng mga tao ay 'yung P700 na minimum wage pero kung P25 'yung ibibigay nila, I think for now, better than nothing,' the 31-year-old Tato said.
Wage increase: How far can P25 go?
If you truly believe that P25 is better than nothing, take the minimum wage challenge or join us in the streets to demand our fair share of the social wealth we created," he said.
Labor group slams politicians over P25 wage hike
Thirty minutes is recommended but even five is better than nothing. | Confuse fitness goals.
STRETCH SAFELY
But she said anything is better than nothing at all.
If 5-a-day is too much try 2 says top GP
We could soon have But it's better than nothing. I realise that "better than nothing" is not a particularly inspiring slogan for the grand adventure of North East selfrule, but it's where we are.
Devolution deal isn't great, but it's got the ball rolling
The midfielder, who had already scored from the spot to level Darryl McHardy's early headed opener for the visitors, said: "We were the better team but a point is better than nothing. "That's nine games unbeaten now so hopefully we can start beating the top teams."
LEAGUE TWO
For the time being let's be thankful for the awards because something is better than nothing!
Why PAS Awards
Ryan Giggs insists Europa League football is better than nothing as he bids to sign off as Manchester United manager on a positive.
Giggs keen to end with a Euro high
An hourly, slow service to Cardiff is better than nothing but totally inadequate.
Good links will help GETVALLEYS on track; Views of Wales
Sweeney made are valid, and it's true that something is better than nothing. But he's trying to sell a gun to folks who, for whatever reason, can't handle something more appropriate.
Granny gun
Alright, there's only really Andy Murray, but that's better than nothing, eh?
PICK OF THE DAY; Grass is always greener for British tennis
Serzh Sargsyan said that in 2014 salaries and pensions will be increased insignificantly, which is "better than nothing".
Government to subsidize consumer loans of officers of force structures in Armenia