del tres al cuarto

Spanish

Etymology

From the old coin called a cuarto, of little value. The idea that you could be "three for one cuarto" implies the product is of bad quality.

Adjective

del tres al cuarto (invariable)

1. (idiomatic, derogatory) second-rate; low-quality; low-grade

   Synonyms: de medio pelo, de todo a cien

Usage notes

• The adjective is usually, but not exclusively, used to describe people