next-best
adj to be preferred if one´s first choice is not available 退而求其次的; 仅次於首选的
The next-best solution is to abandon the project altogether. 仅次於最佳的解决方法是放弃全部计画.
Borrowing tapes from the library would be the next-best thing. 从资料库借磁带是退而求其次的办法.
That´s the best idea. Bill´s is next-best. 那是最好的主意. 比尔的主意次之.