best of the bunch
3
3.0
- idiom
- Informal
:
el mejor del grupo
- Georgia Blazers shooting guard Kentavious Caldwell might be the best of the bunch from the Peach State in that class.
Examples
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Not only is this man the best of the bunch, in my opinion, but he is also the most genuine.
Blog text (12) -
I have to say, Justice Ginsburg's is the best of the bunch.
Blog text (3) -
Having said that, the overall ride of this movie makes it the best of the bunch.
Blog text (23) -
The one you chose is probably the best of the bunch.
Blog text (9) -
Episodes 4 and 5 were the best of the bunch.
Blog text (2) -
I think my burger was the best of the bunch.
Blog text (20) -
There have been a number of horror films out in the last couple of weeks, and House at the End of the Street is the best of the bunch.
Blog text (26) -
For my money, Microsoft's Ballpoint Mouse ($175, 800/4269400) is far and away the best of the bunch.
Academic text (1993) -
I happen to think the best of the bunch includes the Rec films from Spain, Matt Reeves' Cloverfield, and the great superhero story Chronicle from the beginning of this year.
Blog text (25) -
After reviewing all the candidates, I can confidently say she is the best of the bunch.
Synonyms
7
3.4
The very best people or things in a group
5
3.7
The best or most wanted one in a group, like the strongest puppy
A person who is better than all others in a group
A person who is the best or most admired in a group
A person or thing someone says is the very best in a playful way
Antonyms
How Outstanding
- Informal
3
3.0
1
4.7
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'best' (superlative) combined with 'of the' + 'bunch' (an informal group) yields 'the best in the group'. This standard superlative-of-phrase is cross-linguistically common and follows normal English grammar, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words will readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Best of the bunch The phrase comes from the picture of a small group, like a bunch of grapes or flowers, where one item—the best—stands out from the bunch. So it means 'the best person or thing in a group'.