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

Leclerc's victory was out of the top drawer and underlined his quality as one of the leading lights of the new generation.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 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

But though Clayton was a kid, he was tall enough to get what he needed from the top drawer without having to stand on anything.

From "Clayton Byrd Goes Underground" by Rita Williams-Garcia