no better than one ought to be

There were no whisperings, even from his opponents, that he was no better than he ought to be. Because, there was nothing wrong on which to hang a charge. As an eloquent orator, he carried with him the firm support of a good name.

1848, The American Pulpit, volume 3, page 120

After dinner she went directly to Melissa. “Mellie,” she said, “do you know, I've good reason for thinking this woman you've got is no better than she ought to be. Think of that, and you sick, and Abraham exposed to temptation.”

1867, Caroline Fairfield Corbin, A Woman's Secret, page 162

“H’mph!” said the lady. “Film-actors, by the look of yer. And” (with a withering glance at Harriet’s furs) “no better than you should be, I’ll be bound.”

1937, Dorothy L. Sayers, Busman's Honeymoon