top drawer
noun
the highest level in rank, excellence, or importance: a musician strictly out of the top drawer.
Origin of top drawer
First recorded in 1900–05
OTHER WORDS FROM top drawer
top-drawer, adjectiveWords nearby top drawer
top brass,
top cat,
top dead-centre,
top dog,
top dollar,
top drawer,
top end,
top flight,
top gear,
top grafting,
top gun
British Dictionary definitions for top drawer
top drawer
noun
people of the highest standing, esp socially (esp in the phrase out of the top drawer)
Idioms and Phrases with top drawer
top drawer
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]