the next best thing
Something that is as good a substitute as possible for that which is really desired or best suited. My walking shoes have a hole in them, so I've been using the next best thing—my hiking boots. I'm really craving some chocolate cake, but I guess this candy bar is the next best thing.
the next best ˈthing
the best alternative for a thing that you cannot have: I couldn’t find any more of that Italian ice cream but this is the next best thing in my opinion.