Question

cracked up to be

Accepted Answer

asserted to be (used to indicate that someone or something has been described too favourably) - informal

This expression stems from the use of crack as an adjective to mean pre-eminent - a sense dating from the late 18th century.

1986 - Willy Russell - Shirley Valentine - Our Brian suddenly realised that the part of Joseph wasn't as big as it had been cracked up to be. asserted to be (used to indicate that someone or something has been described too favourably) - informal

This expression stems from the use of crack as an adjective to mean pre-eminent - a sense dating

Cracked Asserted Favourably Informal Expression Stems Crack Adjective