nothing to sneeze at
Meaning
Not trivial or unimpressive; something that deserves respect or serious consideration.
Origin
From the literal idea that sneezing expresses irritation or dismissal. By saying something is “nothing to sneeze at,” you mean it isn’t to be dismissed and is more impressive/important than it might seem.
Notes
Conversational and mildly emphatic; often used to point out that an amount/achievement isn’t small, sometimes with an understated or approving tone.
Examples
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Landing a contract with that client is nothing to sneeze at for a small startup.
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His rookie season stats are nothing to sneeze at, even if he’s still learning.
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The pay isn’t huge, but it’s nothing to sneeze at for part-time work.
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A 10% discount is nothing to sneeze at when you’re buying a new laptop.
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Finishing the marathon at her age is nothing to sneeze at.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually used as a noun complement: “X is nothing to sneeze at.” Also common with amount phrases: “$500 is nothing to sneeze at.” Fixed wording; rarely altered.
Synonyms
- not to be sneezed at
- not to be underestimated
- nothing to scoff at
- nothing to sniff at
Antonyms
- nothing to write home about
- not much to speak of