nothing to sneeze at

English

Etymology

Interesting fact In the 17th century, sneezing was considered a symbol of status as people believed it cleared their head and stimulated their brain. Soon sneezing at will became a way to show one's disapproval, lack of interest and boredom. The first recorded use of the phrase in its current negative form, was in 1799, in a play by John Till Allingham: 'Fortune's Frolic': "Why, as to his consent I don't value it a button; but then £5000 is a sum not to be sneezed at."

Source: http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/phrases/nothing-to-sneeze-at-2/#.Wj9txHNlDqA

Noun

nothing to sneeze at (uncountable)

(informal) Something that is decent, acceptable, or worthwhile.
Their music may not be worthy of radio time, but it's nothing to sneeze at.

Synonyms

not to be sneezed at
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Translations

Note: These translations might not be noun phrases.

something decent or acceptable

Danish: ikke til at kimse ad

Swedish: ingenting att fnysa åt

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