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Region: General | Usage example: The scholarship attracts the cream of the crop from every school.

Cream of the crop

Meaning

The very best people or things within a group.

Usage

Used to praise excellence.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Agricultural metaphor referring to the finest cream rising to the top of milk.

Used in 19th-century food writing before broadening into general compliments.

Related Idioms

Black sheep

Someone who is seen as different or disapproved of within a group.

Like two peas in a pod

Two people or things that are nearly identical.

Get two birds with one stone

Achieve two things with one effort.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.