
Fair to middling
Colloquial Use
The phrase is used in casual, informal conversations more than in formal writing or speeches.
I'm feeling fair to middling today, just hanging in there.
Neutral Mood
'Fair to middling' suggests a mood that's neither too good nor too bad, expressing a balanced state.
How's your day going? - It's fair to middling.
Understatement
Sometimes, it is used as an understatement for modesty or to imply that things could be better.
Business is fair to middling, but we're hoping it'll pick up soon.