How to Memorize

not all it's cracked up to be

Analysis

If you say something is not what it was cracked up to be or not all it's cracked up to be you mean it is not as good as people have told you. If something is not all it was cracked up to be it is a disappointment or does not live up to its reputation. This is an idiomatic expression used in informal contexts.

Social Examples (Basic)

1. I heard great things about the movie, but when I watched it I thought that it was not all it was cracked up to be.
2. My new car came with a big reputation, and I have to say that it is every bit as good as it is cracked up to be.

Professional Examples (Basic)

1. I tested the software and I don't consider it to be as good as it was cracked up to be.
2. The event was enjoyable but not really what it was cracked up to be. I felt like we were being sold to all the time and we didn't have the opportunity to make new contacts.

Further Suggestions