# uno ab alto

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/uno-ab-alto
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

One over all.

## Examples

- He considers himself uno ab alto in this group.
- The leader acts as if he is uno ab alto, making every decision without asking for anyone else's opinion.
- In the rigid hierarchy of the ancient court, the king reigned uno ab alto, his authority absolute and beyond any challenge from his subjects.

## Origin

From the Latin, or more specifically dog Latin, *uno* (“one”) + *ab* (“from”) + *alto* (“height”), translating literally as “from one height.”

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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.