Not half bad Definition 1 of 1Pro Tip 1/3Positive Surprise Indicates something is better than expected, often used after initial skepticism. The band was not half bad; actually, I'd see them again. Pro Tip 2/3Understatement Sometimes used to modestly understate one's positive opinion about something. You said your cooking wasn't great, but it's not half bad! Pro Tip 3/3Informal Praise Used in casual conversation, more informal than direct praise. Your idea for the project is not half bad—let's discuss it more.