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
PrincessPRIN-ses, PRINT-səs, prin-SESEnglish (Modern)
Touthmosis-Ancient Egyptian (Hellenized)
Firuza-Azerbaijani, Tajik, Uzbek
Tanya
Goizargi-Basque
Toal-Irish