cut above

Idioms  

1. Someone or something that is superior to examples of a similar nature, as in This book is a cut above his previous one. This idiom uses cut in the sense of “a higher degree or stage.” [Early 1800s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cut above

“They positioned themselves as a cut above traditional fast food, a little bit higher quality,” said Mark Kalinowski, a restaurant analyst and CEO of Kalinowski Equity Research.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 8, 2026

But he also thinks Chipotle’s approach makes sense, noting that the Mexican-themed chain is fast-casual to its core, so its identity is indeed tied to being a cut above McDonald’s.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 11, 2026

As they showed against Indianapolis, the 49ers are a cut above.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 24, 2025

Still, James insisted that headquarters employees dress a cut above business casual, requiring jackets and slacks for men.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 11, 2025

Something that would recognize him as a cut above the merely human.

From "Beowulf: A New Telling" by Robert Nye