an apology for
A poor example of a certain thing. That skinny kid is an apology for a linebacker. I gave you a low grade because the drivel you submitted was an apology for a real paper!
an apology for
a very poor example of. 1998 Imogen de la Bere The Last Deception of Palliser Wentwood It's an apology for a bridge, built of left-over stones.
an apology for something
a very poor example of something: I’m sorry this is a bit of an apology for lunch — we’ll have a proper meal tonight.