what is cracked up to be
not what (someone or something) is cracked up to be
Not as good, enjoyable, impressive, or worthwhile as someone or something is reputed or said to be. Honestly, I didn't think the movie was quite what it was cracked up to be. Maybe I'm just not the right audience for it. She's supposed to be some expert litigator who can quash any legal case before it reaches trial. So far, though, she's not what she's cracked up to be. I know you think I have a great career, but being a video game developer isn't what it's cracked up to be—you work really long hours for not much pay or recognition.
See also: cracked, not, up, what
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
what someone or something is cracked up to be
what someone or something is supposed to be. This pizza isn't what it's cracked up to be. I wanted to find out whether this stuff was what it is cracked up to be.
See also: cracked, up, what
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- be not what it's cracked up to be
- be not all it's cracked up to be
- all it's cracked up to be
- the cat's whiskers/pyjamas
- cat's pajamas
- pajama
- pyjama
- the cat's pajamas
- the cat's whiskers
- variety is the spice of life