top drawer

noun

1. the highest level in rank, excellence, or importance.

   a musician strictly out of the top drawer.

top drawer

noun

1. people of the highest standing, esp socially (esp in the phrase out of the top drawer )

Other Word Forms

• top-drawer adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of top drawer¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

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

Lamont went in the top drawer above us, in with Camilla’s gloves and garters.

From Literature

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

From BBC