The idiom “after a fashion“ is commonly used to describe doing something in a way that is barely adequate or just enough to get by. It often conveys a sense of imperfection or subpar performance. Let’s explore its meaning, examples, and usage.
Meaning of “After a fashion”
The phrase “after a fashion“ means to do something in a manner that is barely acceptable, often implying that the effort or result is not quite up to standard. It’s a way of saying that something was done, but not very well or efficiently.
Examples of “After a fashion” in sentences
He thanked me—after a fashion—for my help, though it didn’t seem very sincere.
Oh, yes, I can swim, after a fashion, but I’m not very fast or skilled.
The project was completed after a fashion, but it still needs a lot of improvement.
When to use “After a fashion”
This idiom is used when someone wants to express that an action was completed, but not to a high standard. It can apply to various situations, from completing a task to expressing gratitude, where the effort or outcome is just barely sufficient.
For example, you might use “after a fashion” to describe someone’s ability to play an instrument poorly, or to describe a job done with minimal effort.
Equivalent expressions
Here are some expressions similar in meaning to “after a fashion”:
- In a half-hearted way: Done with little enthusiasm or effort.
- Barely adequate: Just enough to be acceptable, but not much more.
- Sort of: A casual way of saying something is only somewhat true or effective.
The idiom “after a fashion“ is a subtle way of indicating that something was done, but not to a satisfactory level. It’s a useful expression for describing tasks, skills, or responses that fall short of expectations.
