Dual meaning of "good, if not great"
Most of the time it is meant as a measured praise. (Your 2nd reading) But there is enough wiggle room in this phrase to make it context-sensitive. It could possibly be turned into a backhanded compliment.
Most of the time it is meant as a measured praise. (Your 2nd reading) But there is enough wiggle room in this phrase to make it context-sensitive. It could possibly be turned into a backhanded compliment.