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

Nakatani, who has held world titles in three divisions, suffered a cut above his left eye from an accidental clash of heads in the 10th round just as he was riding a wave of momentum.

From BBC ● May 2, 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

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

Nacua brushed off a cut above his eye that required stitches and caught 10 passes for 130 yards.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 12, 2025

The cut above his eye was bleeding through the bandage.

From "We'll Fly Away" by Bryan Bliss