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could be worse

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(Things) could be worse

 and (I) could be worse. a

response to a greeting meaning "My state is not as bad as it might be." (Not necessarily a direct answer.) John: How are you, Fred? Fred: Things could be worse. And you? John: Okay, I guess. Bob: Hi, Bob! What's happening? Bob: I could be worse. What's new with you?

See also: could, worse