The bee's knees

Definitions

• something excellent or outstanding
  To describe something as exceptional or of high quality

• a small or insignificant thing
  To sarcastically refer to something as unimportant or insignificant

Examples of The bee's knees

• This new product is the bee's knees! It's simply outstanding and exceeds all expectations.

  This idiom means that something is the best or most excellent thing you can think of. It's an old-fashioned expression that compares something to the part of a bee's anatomy that is deemed most important or valuable. Here, "the bee's knees" is used as a simile to describe the exceptional quality of the new product.

• Kelly's performance at the recital was the bee's knees! She knocked it out of the park and left the audience in awe.

  The expression "the bee's knees" can also be used to describe something that has been executed perfectly, such as Kelly's performance at the recital. It indicates that the performance was beyond exceptional and left a lasting impression.

• I've found my soulmate, and he's the bee's knees! He's everything I've ever wanted, and more.

  This idiom can also be used to refer to people, particularly someone who is extraordinary or exceptional in all ways. The speaker uses this expression to describe her partner as the ultimate ideal match, the best one could ever hope for.

• The new restaurant we tried last night was the bee's knees! The food was delicious, the service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was simply amazing.

  This idiom can be used to signify the overall excellence of something, such as the new restaurant the speaker visited. It implies that all aspects of the experience were top-notch and unforgettable, making it the best possible choice for dining.

• Sarah's new car is the bee's knees. It's sleek, stylish, and runs like a dream.

  This idiom is used to describe something that is excellent or outstanding, in this case, Sarah's new car. The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have come from the 1920s, where "the cat's pajamas" and "the bee's knees" were both popular phrases to describe something desirable. This idiom is still commonly used today, especially in informal settings.

• Tim's new job at the tech company is the bee's knees. He's thrilled to have such an exciting opportunity and loves working with the innovative team.

  This idiom is used to describe something that is highly desirable or attractive, in this case, Tim's new job. The phrase "the bee's knees" is thought to have originated from the 1920s, when Americans would use it to describe something that was highly desirable, like the best of the best. It's still commonly used today, especially in informal settings, to highlight the exceptionalness of a person, place or thing.

• Rachel's new dress is the bee's knees. The fabric is soft, the cut is flattering, and everyone compliments her on how gorgeous she looks.

  This idiom is used to describe something that is highly desirable or attractive, in this case, Rachel's new dress. The term "the bee's knees" originated in the United States during the 1920s as a colloquialism for something that is highly sought-after or desirable. Today, the idiom is still commonly used to describe objects, places or people that are of exceptional quality, style or appeal.

• Her dance moves were the bee's knees.

  This means that her dance moves were exceptional and outstanding, just like the best part of a bee's body.

Conclusion

"The bee's knees" can be used to praise something as extraordinary or to dismiss something as unimportant. It can convey admiration or sarcasm, depending on the context.

Origin of "The bee's knees"

The phrase "the bee's knees" originated in the United States during the 1920s, a period known for its colorful and playful language. At that time, "bee's knees" was used to describe something as small and insignificant, similar to expressions like "the cat's whiskers" or "the cat's pajamas." However, as language often does, the meaning of the phrase evolved over time. By the 1920s, "bee's knees" had taken on a new, opposite meaning: it was used to describe something as excellent or outstanding.

The exact origin of the phrase is uncertain, but it is thought to have been a playful and whimsical creation, typical of the slang of the era. The image of a bee's knees, being small and delicate, may have been chosen as a light-hearted way to describe something as exceptional. Over time, the phrase gained popularity and became a part of everyday language, although its usage has declined in more recent years.