What does “Crème de la crème” mean?
"Crème de la crème" means the very best or highest quality.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The restaurant only serves the crème de la crème of dishes.
Example
She was chosen to join the crème de la crème of athletes.
Example
The fashion show featured the crème de la crème of designers
Is “Crème de la crème” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Crème de la crème” 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 “Crème de la crème” effectively in context?
You can use "Crème de la crème" to describe something or someone as the epitome of excellence or the highest standard. It emphasizes that the thing or person being referred to is of superior quality or in a league of their own. For example, if you want to compliment a restaurant's exceptional dishes, you might say, 'The restaurant only serves the "crème de la crème" of dishes.'
- 1Food
The bakery is known for its delicious pastries, but their macarons are truly the crème de la crème.
- 2Sports
She was chosen to join the national team, which is considered the crème de la crème of athletes in the country.
- 3Fashion
The fashion show featured the top designers in the industry, showcasing the crème de la crème of their collections.
Similar phrases to “Crème de la crème”:
Top-tier
Of the highest quality or rank
Example
The company is known for its top-tier products and services.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Crème de la crème” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Crème de la crème" is French, which translates to 'cream of the cream' in English. It refers to the top layer of cream that rises to the surface when milk is left to stand. In a figurative sense, it represents the very best or highest quality.
Is “Crème de la crème” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Crème de la crème" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to highlight the highest quality or excellence of something or someone.
What tone does “Crème de la crème” have?
"Crème de la crème" conveys a tone of admiration and praise. It's used to express appreciation for something or someone that stands out as the best or most exceptional.
Can “Crème de la crème” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Crème de la crème" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of top-notch quality. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, interviews, or written articles.
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, 'The team is the "crème de la crème" of the competition.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That restaurant is the "crème de la crème"!' to imply its exceptional quality.
