Second To None Meaning: What Does the Useful Phrase “Second To None” Mean?

“Second to none” is a phrase that is used quite often in conversation and in writing. The phrase is pretty self-explanatory once you know the meaning, but chances are you’re here because you are wondering what it means. If that’s the case, then you are in luck because here you will find what it means, the origin of the phrase, some example sentences and conversations, and some other suggestions regarding how you can say this phrase in different words to mean the same thing.

Second To None

Second To None Meaning

The idiomatic phrase “second to none” is used to compare someone or something to someone or something else to point out that they are the best, worst, quickest, etc. among a group of things or people.

Origin of this idiom

The phrase “second to none” was first used by Shakespeare circa 1589-1594. It appears in his written work titled The Comedy of Errors. The phrase was used by the character Angelo to speak positively on behalf of another character Antipholus.

“Second To None” Examples

Example Sentences

  • My mom’s chocolate chip cookies are second to none.
  • Shyla’s bad behavior is second to none.
  • What method is second to none?
  • As a football player, he is second to none.
  • His musical technique is second to none.
  • He has compiled a record second to none in its wretchedness.
  • Call, or ask your agent to call, and you can be sure of service second to none.
  • Our school baseball team enjoys a second to none.

Example Conversations

A discussion between mother and son.

  • Son: I want to try out for the school play.
  • Mother: You really should! You would be great! Your acting abilities are second to none.

A discussion between two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: Michael’s skills in this area are second to none.
  • Co-worker 2: You are right! There is no one better to do this job.

Alternatives to “Second To None”

There are some words that you can use in place of the interesting idiomatic saying “second to none” that will mean the same thing. Some of the words you could use include:

  • Unrivaled
  • Unmatched
  • Incomparable

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Last Updated on March 21, 2020

5 thoughts on “Second To None Meaning: What Does the Useful Phrase “Second To None” Mean?”

    • I thought that none is 0 nex to it would be #1 and if something is better than that should be a higher-ups.

      Reply
  1. Second to None is not fully explained. It is easy to say, ” Better” or “Best”, however, as someone said, why not, first to none?
    I do not understand the function of this saying!

    Reply
    • The phrase “second to none” means that something or someone is the best or superior to all others. It implies that there is no other competitor that can match or surpass the quality or excellence of the thing or person being referred to. The phrase “first to none” does not make as much sense because being first implies that there are others who come after, while “second to none” emphasizes that there is no one who comes before or after in terms of excellence or superiority.

      Reply

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