What does “Bee's Knees” mean?
"The Bee's Knees" means something or someone that is excellent or outstanding.
What context can I use the in?
Example
That new restaurant downtown is the bee's knees!
Example
Her performance in the play was the bee's knees.
Example
I just got a promotion at work - I'm feeling like the bee's knees
Is “Bee's Knees” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Bee's Knees” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Bee's Knees” effectively in context?
You can use "Bee's Knees" to describe something or someone that is excellent or outstanding. It conveys a sense of admiration or approval. For example, if you taste a delicious dessert, you might say, 'This cake is the bee's knees!'
- 1Food
That new restaurant downtown is the bee's knees! Their food is amazing.
- 2Performance
Her performance in the play was the bee's knees. She really stood out.
- 3Personal Achievement
I just got a promotion at work - I'm feeling like the bee's knees!
Similar phrases to “Bee's Knees”:
Cat's Meow
Something or someone that is highly admired or praised
Example
Her fashion sense is always the cat's meow.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Bee's Knees” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Bee's Knees" is unknown. It first appeared in the 1920s and was popularized during the Jazz Age. At that time, it was common to use animal-related phrases to describe something or someone as excellent or outstanding. The phrase 'bee's knees' was likely created as a playful and whimsical expression.
Is “Bee's Knees” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Bee's Knees" is a well-known idiom in everyday conversation, although it may be more commonly used in informal settings. People often use it to express their enthusiasm or admiration for something or someone they find exceptional.
What tone does “Bee's Knees” have?
"Bee's Knees" conveys a tone of excitement and praise. It's a positive and upbeat expression that highlights the excellence or outstanding qualities of something or someone.
Can “Bee's Knees” be used in informal and formal settings?
While "Bee's Knees" is generally used in informal conversations, it can also be used in more formal settings to add a touch of playfulness or to convey a sense of admiration. However, it's important to consider the context and the level of formality when using this idiom.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'That new car is the bee's knees!' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'This movie is the bee's knees!' to express enthusiasm.
