毛けの生はえた

expression

a bit better than; not much more than; just a step up from

Idiomatic expression used to belittle something by comparing it to a lower standard, implying it is only slightly better or barely different. Often carries a dismissive or sarcastic tone. Literally means 'with hair grown on it', suggesting a minimal improvement.

• あの店みせの料りょう理りは、コンビニ弁べん当とうに毛けの生はえた程てい度どだ。

  The food at that restaurant is just a convenience store bento with a little extra.

• 彼かれの英えい語ごは中ちゅう学がく生せいに毛けの生はえたレベルだ。

  His English is only a bit better than a junior high school student's.