punch above one's weight
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
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An allusion to a boxer who punches more powerfully than other boxers in the same weight class.
Pronunciation[edit]
- (Received Pronunciation, General American) IPA(key): /pʌntʃ əˈbʌv wʌnz weɪt/
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb[edit]
punch above one's weight (third-person singular simple present punches above one's weight, present participle punching above one's weight, simple past and past participle punched above one's weight)
- (idiomatic) To (attempt to) achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments.
- 2008 December 11, David Charter, “Ireland takes a gamble on new Lisbon vote”, in The Times[1], London, retrieved 23 December 2009:
- Ireland's current commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, is such a high-profile and outspoken figure who punches above his weight in Brussels in the important role of internal market commissioner.
- 2011 January 29, Chris Bevan, “Torquay 0 – 1 Crawley Town”, in BBC Sport[2], archived from the original on 14 January 2016:
- Having spent more than £500,000 on players last summer, Crawley can hardly be classed as minnows but they have still punched way above their weight and this kind of performance means no-one will relish pulling them out of the hat in Sunday's draw.
- 2017 Tad the Lost Explorer and the Secret of King Midas
- I can see why you love her so much. You're definitely punching above your weight.
Alternative forms[edit]
Synonyms[edit]
Antonyms[edit]
Translations[edit]
achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments
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