“Cream of the Crop” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 10, 2024 by Liam Daniel

“Cream of the crop” is a phrase that you may encounter quite frequently while interacting with people on an everyday basis. This reference examines the meaning of this idiom, its origin, and includes example sentences and conversations to help you better use the phrase yourself. Furthermore, you will find alternatives to using this phrase to convey the same meaning during a conversation.

Cream of the Crop Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “Cream of the crop” means the best or highest quality in a group. It refers to people or things that are considered superior to others.
Cream of the Crop Meaning
Cream of the Crop Meaning – Created by 7ESL

“Cream of the Crop” Meaning

“Cream of the crop” is an idiom that means the best or the finest of a particular group. It refers to people or things that are considered superior in quality or performance compared to others. The phrase originates from the idea that cream rises to the top of milk, symbolizing something of the highest quality.

Origin of this Idiom

The word “cream” has been used since the 16th century to mean “the best part of something.” Before the 1800s, the French were using the phrase “la créme de la créme” meaning “the cream of the cream.” It was not until sometime during the 1800s that the phrase “cream of the crop” was first heard in English. It has been used ever since to convey the meaning stated above.

Usage of “Cream of the Crop”

Here are some examples of how “cream of the crop” is used in sentences:

  1. In a workplace setting:
    • “These candidates are the cream of the crop, each with outstanding qualifications.”
  2. In sports:
    • “The team’s new recruits are truly the cream of the crop; they’ve won multiple championships.”
  3. In academics:
    • “She’s the cream of the crop in her class, always achieving the highest grades.”
  4. In entertainment:
    • “This movie is the cream of the crop when it comes to action films.”
  5. In product reviews:
    • “Among all the smartphones I’ve tried, this model is definitely the cream of the crop.”

Related Terms to “Cream of the Crop”

  • Top of the line – Refers to something of the highest quality or standard.
  • Best of the best – Refers to the finest or most excellent out of a group.
  • First-rate – Describes something of very high quality.
  • Top-notch – Refers to something or someone of outstanding quality or ability.
  • Head and shoulders above – Used to compare someone or something as significantly better than others.
  • Prime – Indicates something that is of the highest quality or best condition.
  • Elite – Describes people or things that are superior in status, skill, or quality.
  • Top-tier – Refers to the best level or highest ranking in a category.
  • The pick of the bunch – Refers to the best option or choice from a group.

Alternatives to “Cream of the Crop”

There are many other terms you can substitute for the phrase “cream of the crop” that will still convey the same meaning. Some of the things you could say alternatively include:

  • The best of the best
  • The créme de la créme
  • Bees knees
  • The icing on the cake
  • Best of everything

“Cream of the Crop” Examples

Example Sentences

  • I am not surprised that Ronald received the award for employee of the month for the third time; he is the cream of the crop.
  • The apples from the orchard down the road from me are the cream of the crop.
  • The students at this college are the cream of the crop.
  • He has always turned out teams who, until recently, were the cream of the crop in terms of style.
  • She is really the cream of the crop.

Example Conversations

A conversation between two friends at school.

  • Friend 1: I am so glad that Mary received the honor of being named Valedictorian for our class.
  • Friend 2: Yes, I am so happy for her too! She deserves it for how hard she has worked all year.
  • Friend 1: For sure! She is the cream of the crop!

A conversation between two co-workers talking about another co-worker at the office.

  • Co-worker 1: Hey, it is Sam’s 40th birthday this Friday. I think we should do something special for her.
  • Co-worker 2: I agree! She deserves something special since she is the cream of the crop!
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