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

• top-drawer adjective

Etymology

Origin of top drawer

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

I recognised that although Lawrenson and Hansen were brilliant on the ball, their defensive attributes were also top drawer.

From BBC

Is James Trafford really top drawer?

From BBC

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.

From BBC

On paper, the talent is top drawer.

From BBC

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

From BBC