Cream of the crop

Meaning

The very best people or things within a group.

Usage

Used to praise excellence.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

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

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