English Reference
Idiom idiom

cut above


Superior to the norm.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

This restaurant is a cut above the others.

CONTEXTUAL

Her writing is a cut above the rest, which is why she got the promotion.

COMPLEX

Though the village inn was modest, its kitchen was a cut above, drawing travelers from miles around for the chef's remarkable dishes.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    clear cut

    Straightforward, obvious, simple, or basic.

  2. 02

    cut a dash

    To make a display of oneself; to give a conspicuous impression.

  3. 03

    cut a deal

    To reach a negotiated agreement.

  4. 04

    cut a figure

    To present an image; to make an impression.

  5. 05

    cut a rug

    To dance, especially in a vigorous manner and in one of the dance styles of the first half of the twentieth century.

  6. 06

    cut a swath

    Alternative form of cut a wide swath.

  7. 07

    cut a wide swath

    To behave in an expansive, flagrantly showy, or pushy manner, especially in public venues; to exert sweeping influence.

  8. 08

    cut about

    To go around (move from person to person).

Last updated August 10, 2026