What does “Cream of the crop” mean?
"Cream of the crop" means the best or highest quality of something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Only the cream of the crop were selected for the team.
Example
This restaurant serves only the cream of the crop ingredients.
Example
The company only hires the cream of the crop candidates
Is “Cream of the crop” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Cream of the crop” 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 “Cream of the crop” effectively in context?
You can use "Cream of the Crop" to refer to the best or highest quality of something. It emphasizes excellence and superiority. For example, if you want to praise a group of talented individuals, you might say, 'They are the cream of the crop.'
- 1Sports
Only the cream of the crop were selected for the team.
- 2Food
This restaurant serves only the cream of the crop ingredients.
- 3Job Hiring
The company only hires the cream of the crop candidates.
Similar phrases to “Cream of the crop”:
Top-notch
Of the highest quality or excellence
Example
This hotel provides top-notch service.
Crème de la crème
The very best of a group or category
Example
These students are the crème de la crème of the school.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Cream of the crop” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Cream of the Crop" is unknown.
Is “Cream of the crop” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Cream of the Crop" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe the best or highest quality of something.
What tone does “Cream of the crop” have?
"Cream of the Crop" conveys a tone of admiration and praise. It is used to highlight excellence and superiority.
Can “Cream of the crop” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Cream of the Crop" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts to describe top-tier quality. You can use it in conversations with friends, colleagues, or in professional settings.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'They are the cream of the crop.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That car is the "cream of the crop"!' to imply that it is the best.
