Head and shoulders above

Meaning

The idiom "head and shoulders above" means that someone or something is superior to others in a particular aspect, such as performance, quality, or appearance. It is often used to describe someone who stands out from the crowd or who is clearly better than others in a given situation. The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation or event that is superior to previous ones.

Usage

• She may not be the best-looking person in the room, but she's head and shoulders above everyone else in terms of confidence and charm.
• This restaurant has a reputation for providing exceptional service, which puts it head and shoulders above its competitors in the area.
• The new employee is already making a name for herself, as she's been able to accomplish more than her colleagues in just a few weeks.
• The new CEO's innovative ideas have brought a fresh perspective to the company, putting it head and shoulders above its former leadership.
• The concert was amazing - the music was exceptional, the performers were on top of their game, and everything just flowed so effortlessly. It was truly head and shoulders above any other show I've been to.

Roots and History

The phrase "head and shoulders above" can be traced back to the 16th century, where it was used in a literal sense to describe how tall someone was compared to others. Over time, the phrase evolved to include metaphorical comparisons, such as being superior in terms of ability or performance. The idiom is commonly used in contemporary English and has remained relatively stable in meaning over time.

Synonyms in English

• Exceedingly excellent
• Superior in every way
• Outstanding
• Exceptional
• Impressive

Synonyms in other languages

• French: Incomparable (Literally "uncomparable")
• Spanish: Supremo/a (Superior)
• Italian: Eccellenza (Excellence)
• German: Vorzuglich (Exceptional)
• Japanese: 一番の (Best of the best)

Similar Idioms

• a dime a dozen

• as well as

• ask out