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]

Example Sentences

Is James Trafford really top drawer?

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Piastri's drive was from the top drawer - he took the lead from Norris at the rolling start after a few exploratory laps behind the safety car in the wet by being, by Norris' admission, a little braver through Eau Rouge on the first lap.

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On paper, the talent is top drawer.

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Lamont went in the top drawer above us, in with Camilla’s gloves and garters.

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Bearman is one of those guys that has looked top drawer for quite a while.

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