rehash; boring rerun; stale imitation
Idiomatic expression for something that is a mere copy or rehash of an earlier idea, lacking originality. Often used critically.
The new movie is nothing more than a rehash of the previous one.
His proposals are always just stale imitations of someone else's ideas.
second brew of tea
Literal meaning: the second infusion of tea leaves, which is weaker and less flavorful. This literal sense is the origin of the idiomatic use.
The second brew of tea is weaker in flavor than the first.