# cream of the crop

**Pronunciation:** /kriːm əv ðə krɒp/ · KREEM-uv-thuh-KROP

**CEFR level:** B2

**Part of speech:** noun phrase

## Meaning

The very best people or things in a particular group or category.

## Examples

- Our university recruits the cream of the crop from high schools across the country.
- This collection features the cream of the crop of modern architectural design.
- Only the cream of the crop of athletes will make it to the Olympic team this year.

## Synonyms

- best — The most general and common term for high quality.
- top-tier — Often used for organizations, products, or professional talent.
- elite — Refers to a select group that is superior to others in ability or status.
- crème de la crème — A French loan phrase used to imply the absolute pinnacle of excellence.

## Antonyms

- bottom of the barrel — The very worst or least desirable items in a group.

## Collocations

- the absolute cream of the crop — We only hire the absolute cream of the crop for our research team.
- represent the cream of the crop — These students represent the cream of the crop in their field.

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