pale imitation
noun [ C ] uk/ˌpeɪl ɪm.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/ us/ˌpeɪl ɪm.ɪˈteɪ.ʃən/
拙劣的模仿，东施效颦
something that is similar to but not as good as something else
Modern luxury ships are a pale imitation of the glamour and style of the early ocean liners. 现代豪华游轮同早期远洋海轮相比，其魅力与风格都大为逊色。