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, adjective

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]