Poor relation In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "poor relation", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Julia Huong calendar 2022-02-14 11:02

Meaning of Poor relation

Poor relation noun phrase

A person or thing seen as inferior or subservient to others of the same kind or group.

This wine is a poor relation of champagne, but my father is bent on buying it.

The blood donor service complains that it has always been treated as a poor relation within the Health Service.

Some people regard radio as the poor relation of broadcasting.

Other phrases about:

crumb bum

1.Someone viewed with contempt

2. Very bad

underdog

A person or group that is weaker, or has less power, money, etc than the rest.

be a shadow/ghost of your former self

To not be as healthy, strong etc as one formerly was

can't hold a candle to one

 Cannot be as good as another person or thing 

subordinate to (someone or something)

1. Controlled or ruled over by someone or something else.

2.  Less importance, power or authority than someone else.

3. To make someone, something, or oneself subservient to someone or something else.

4. To make someone, something, or oneself less important, inferior, or secondary to someone or something else.

 

Origin of Poor relation

This phrase, first documented in 1720 for a family member in humble circumstances, came to be used metaphorically in the mid-1900s.

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TODAY
as it happens/happened
Coincidentally, suprisingly; as a matter of fact
Example: I went to my grandma's house to look for my cat. As it happened, the cat was in my grandma's care. 
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