Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

What leaves a little to be desired between you and me?

=What do we both crave for?

Is that a good assumption of the intended meaning?

Thanks

[bud]

Maybe not quite as strong as a craving, but more like a flaw or an unresolved issue in "our" relations.

[missdaredevil]

Sorry, Still confused.

Could you elaborate a little more?

Thanks

[bud]

Leaves a little to be desired is an idiom. Leaves in this case implies that after we see what exists now, there is something else to consider, or something else remaining. A little in this idiom is a euphemism that really (usually) means a lot. To be desired implies that there is something lacking, something wanted... So the thing to consider with what exists now is that something is needed, something is lacking.

I don't know if that helps at all, but in different words it means that there is something that prevents our relationship from being ideal. If it is a romantic relationship, maybe it is that we fight too much. If it is a business relationship, maybe it is that too many of our deals prove to be unprofitable. In both examples, probably other aspects of the relationship work well.

But the idiom can apply to just about anything: I love my car, but the fact that it stalls sometimes in cold weather leaves a little to be dseired.

Maybe someone out there has a better way to explain it.

[helen1]

I think what you say Bud is clear, but in a simple overview I think it means

'is not perfect'

so 'What leaves a little to be desired between you and me'

- would mean what is the reason that our relationship is not perfect - what can we improve on.

[bud]

Nice! Thanks.