# the quality

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/the-quality
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The upper class, the high society, the gentry; the people of quality.

## Examples

- They act like they belong to the quality.
- The local innkeeper was surprised to see members of the quality dining in his humble tavern.
- The grand ballroom was filled with the quality, all dressed in their finest silks and jewels for the annual winter gala.

## Origin

From the noun *quality*, used in the sense of high social position or nobility. The term emerged from the practice of referring to the landed gentry and those of superior rank as "people of quality" or "the quality."

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.