释义 |
poor relation
poor relation n a person or thing considered inferior to another or others: plastic is a poor relation of real leather. Translations
poor relation
poor relationA less desirable substitute for the genuine item. The cheap motorcycle jacket I bought is nice, but it is a poor relation of actual leather.See also: poor, relationpoor relationAn inferior member of a group, as in Many regard Turkey as the poor relation in the European alliance. This expression, first recorded in 1720 for a family member in humble circumstances, began to be used figuratively in the mid-1900s. See also: poor, relationa poor relation If you describe one thing as a poor relation of another, you mean that it is similar in some ways but not as good or as popular. Watercolour still seems somehow to be the poor relation of oil painting. Grapes for the table have become the poor relation of those used by the wine trade.See also: poor, relationpoor relation a person or thing that is considered inferior or subordinate to others of the same type or group. 1997 Independent on Sunday Many downhillers think of Nordic skiing as a poor relation—fit only for wimps who can't take speed. See also: poor, relationa poor reˈlation somebody/something with less importance, respect or power than others: At the peace conference, our country was treated very much as the poor relation.See also: poor, relation |