Butter the stick

Butter the stick, and act of doing something kind; doing something for someone else; being generous; doing something just to be nice and not asking something in return

I saw a dog at the shelter and decided to butter the stick, and adopt it; there was a homeless man on the road with his wife and I decided to butter the stick (give him money)

Butter the stick by Katy Barothness November 15, 2017

better than a stick in the eye 

A phrase learned growing up in wisconsin. Not sure of its use outside of that illustrious state. Means that something is not so great, but it could be worse.

So you're going to visit Topeka. It's better than a stick in the eye.

better than a stick in the eye by sarmaes November 28, 2006

better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick 

Phrase describing a situation that isn't very good, but could be worse.

How was your holiday visiting your grandma?

Better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick.

better than a poke in the eye with a blunt stick by Ryan Paine March 24, 2008

Better than a poke in the eye with a burnt stick 

Not bad.

Pier: How was last night's SSS?
Chappo: Better than a poke in the eye with a burnt stick.

Better than a poke in the eye with a burnt stick by Chappo January 20, 2004