curate's egg

The phrase "curate's egg" is an idiomatic expression derived from a 19th-century British cartoon that appeared in the magazine Punch. It refers to something that is partly good or enjoyable, and partly bad or disappointing. It is based on a satirical cartoon depicting a timid curate who, when served a bad egg by his host, timidly replies, "Oh no, my dear host, I assure you, parts of it are excellent!" Thus, the phrase is used to describe a situation or thing that has both positive and negative aspects.