top drawer

noun

1. the highest level in rank, excellence, or importance:

   a musician strictly out of the top drawer.

top drawer

noun

1. people of the highest standing, esp socially (esp in the phrase out of the top drawer )

Other Words From

• top-drawer adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of top drawer¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

Lamont went in the top drawer above us, in with Camilla’s gloves and garters.

From Literature

Bearman is one of those guys that has looked top drawer for quite a while.

From BBC

If you work out in the morning, put exercise clothes in the top drawer of your dresser or on the rod closest to your closet door.

From Seattle Times

“I'm putting the hoodoo-hot sauce in the top drawer. You know the food here isn't going to have the taste from home.”

From Literature

Matt reached into the top drawer of his desk and pulled out the sign-up sheet.

From Literature