top drawer

noun

1. the highest level in rank, excellence, or importance.

   a musician strictly out of the top drawer.

top drawer

noun

1. people of the highest standing, esp socially (esp in the phrase out of the top drawer )

Other Word Forms

• top-drawer adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of top drawer¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Idioms and Phrases

Of the highest quality, importance, or rank, as in The musicians in this pick-up orchestra were top drawer. It probably alludes to the uppermost drawer in a bureau or chest, where the most valuable objects (such as jewelry) are usually kept. [c. 1900]