Idioms title

The Idiom Attic - a collection of hundreds of English idioms, each one explained.

"excellence" idioms...

See also, a list of phrases that relate in some way to the word excellence

" Beyond price "
Meaning:
To be so prized and valuable as to not be obtainable by money.
Example:
Getting in to the school hall for the annual nativity play cost us $5 but seeing little Angie in the lead role was beyond price.
Where did it originate?:
Britain, 16th century.
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   money  
" On the ball "
Meaning:
With a good understanding of a situation and a readiness to act.
Example:
I gave him the predicted profits and he immediately knew they were wrong and sold the stock. He was really on the ball financially.
Where did it originate?:
USA. Deriving from the expression 'keep your eye on the ball'.
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   america  
" Out of sight "
Meaning:
Still used with its literal meaning of 'beyond the range of sight' but more commonly used in its hippie-era meaning of 'excellent; extraordinary'.
Example:
The other runners were good, but Usian Bolt was out of sight.
Where did it originate?:
USA, 19th century coinage before being re-used in the 1960s.
Where is it used?:
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More idioms about:   america  
" Peachy keen "
Meaning:
Excellent; wonderful.
Example:
Wow, that 20-year old whiskey is peachy keen..
Where did it originate?:
USA, mid-20th century.
Where is it used?:
Mostly USA.
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   fruit   slang   america  
" Perfect pitch "
Meaning:
The ability to determine a musical note by ear.
Example:
He knew that the cars engine was humming a D sharp just by listening - he has perfect pitch.
Where did it originate?:
Britain, 1920s. Deriving from the earlier 'absolute pitch', which is known from the 1880s.
Where is it used?:
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More idioms about:   music  
" The best of both worlds "
Meaning:
The benefits available from two apparently conflicting options.
Example:
I went on a sailing holiday and got to stay in a cosy beachside villa each night. It seemed like the best of both worlds.
Where did it originate?:
Britain, 19th century.
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
" The best thing since sliced bread "
Meaning:
An outstandingly good idea or plan.
Example:
Some people hate iPhones Apple fanboys think they are the best thing since sliced bread.
Where did it originate?:
Britain, 20th century.
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   food  
" The glorious twelfth "
Meaning:
The 12th of August - the start of the British grouse shooting season.
Example:
Just two weeks to go. I've booked all the beaters and the trip to the grouse moor is all set - bring on the glorious twelfth.
Where is it used?:
Britain.
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   animals   number   date  
" The icing on the cake "
Meaning:
Something that makes a good situation even better.
Example:
Winning the race was great. Getting a medal and a prize was the icing on the cake.
Where did it originate?:
USA, late 19th century.
Where is it used?:
Hear the idiom spoken:
More idioms about:   food   america  

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