What Does “cream of the crop” mean?
Definition:
If you describe things or someone as the cream of the crop, you mean they are the best of all.
Origin
When you leave milk to sit for a while, the cream rises to the top. The cream is said to be the most delicious portion of milk. This meaning was transferred to describe things and people figuratively.
Since the 16th century, the term “cream” has been used to indicate “the best.” In French, the expression “la crème de la crème” which means “the cream of the cream” has become common in English since the year 1800.
By the year 1678, John Ray added the phrase “That’s the cream of the jest,” in his collection of English proverbs. The specific phrase mentioning “the best of the crop” was most likely chosen for its alliterative appeal.
Example(s)
Don’t worry about your studies; you are the cream of the crop.
He is the brightest student – the cream of the crop of our school.
