top drawer

American  

noun

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

   a musician strictly out of the top drawer.

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top drawer British  

noun

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

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top drawer Idioms  

1. 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]

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• top-drawer
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of top drawer

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

If you work out in the morning, put exercise clothes in the top drawer of your dresser or on the rod closest to your closet door.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 27, 2024

Southgate said: "Jordan has been outstanding. He's such a leader. He knits the team together and around the camp he's brilliant. His performances have been top drawer."

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2022

The writing is top drawer, and the text is experimental to profitable effect, which I’m afraid is rather rare.

From The Guardian • Jun. 5, 2020

In the top drawer, he stores a stack of outstanding medical bills related to years of heart trouble.

From Washington Times • Feb. 15, 2020

“Oh goodness, here,” she says, reaching behind her to open the top drawer of her desk.

From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam