the next best thing



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the next best thing

Something that is as good a substitute as possible for that which is really desired or best suited. My walking shoes have a hole in them, so I've been using the next best thing—my hiking boots. I'm really craving some chocolate cake, but I guess this candy bar is the next best thing.
See also: next, thing

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Democritus-Ancient Greek (Latinized)
Xanti-Basque
Nina (3)-Native American, Quechua
AubreyAWB-reeEnglish
HenriËTte-Dutch
Ithiel-Biblical