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

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

Nightcrawler, played by Alan Cumming, and Mystique, portrayed by Rebecca Romijn, will also return, while Hugh Jackman proved Wolverine is still a cut above in his hit 2024 collab with Deadpool.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 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

The girls wore their hair cut above their chins, with bangs, and had plain skirts or monpe.

From "A Place to Belong" by Cynthia Kadohata