A "curate's egg" is a noun used to describe something that is at least partly bad, but with some arguably redeeming features.
In its original context, the term refers to something which is obviously and essentially bad but which is wilfully described euphemistically as being only partly so, its supposed good features being credited with undue redeeming power. Its modern usage varies, with some authorities defining it as something that is an indeterminate mix of good and bad and others stating it implies a preponderance of bad qualities.
Read more about Curate's Egg: Origin, Antithesis, Examples
Famous quotes containing the words curate and/or egg:
“A Curate there is something which excites compassion in the very name of a curate!!!”
—Sydney Smith (1771–1845)
“A day without an argument is like an egg without salt.”
—Angela Carter (1940–1992)