It is a comical idiom that means something is not wonderful, but still acceptable. Example: "Do you want to go to a lecture on semiotics?" "Well, I guess it's better than being poked in the eye with a burnt stick" (we also sometimes say "sharp stick" or "pencil," etc.).

Thanks for Brad and Dorothy's answer. So it's terrible situation, so something I accept maybe better than it. so low standard.

I've always heard it as sharp stick.