English Reference
Idiom idiom

six of the best


Six strokes with a cane, a traditional school punishment.

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


SIMPLE

“The teacher gave the naughty boy six of the best.”

CONTEXTUAL

“In the old days, if you broke the school rules, you risked receiving six of the best from the headmaster.”

COMPLEX

“The stern headmaster maintained order in the classroom by threatening any student who misbehaved with six of the best.”


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    as best one can

    In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.

  2. 02

    best bet

    The best proposal or plan.

  3. 03

    best laid plans

    A proverbial expression used to signify the futility of making detailed plans when the ability to fully or even partially execute them is uncertain.

  4. 04

    best of both worlds

    A combination of two seemingly contradictory benefits.

  5. 05

    best of the bunch

    The best or most preferred person or item within a group.

  6. 06

    best pleased

    displeased, upset, disgruntled

  7. 07

    best regards

    Used as a polite closing of a letter

  8. 08

    best thing since sliced bread

    Alternative form of greatest thing since sliced bread.

Last updated August 10, 2026