Top notch

Definitions

• high quality
  To describe something as being of the highest quality or standard

• excellent
  To describe someone or something as being outstanding or exceptional

Examples of Top notch

• The chef prepared a top notch meal last night.

  This idiom is used to describe something that is of exceptional quality or performance. In this case, the meal prepared by the chef was of the highest possible standard, indicating that it was delicious, well-cooked, and presented beautifully.

• The school's sports program is consistently delivering top notch performances.

  This example highlights the fact that a top notch performance is not just a one-time event, but a consistent pattern of excellence. In this context, the school's sports program is delivering exceptional performances in sports regularly, indicating high skill level and consistency in their training and coaching methods.

• Emily's research project has received top notch ratings from her professors.

  This example showcases the high standard and level of scrutiny that a top notch rating represents. In academics, a top notch rating is reserved for the best of the best projects that demonstrate exceptional research, analysis, and presentation skills. Emily must have put in a lot of effort and hard work to earn such a prestigious rating from her professors.

• The customer service representative provided a top notch experience to the customer.

  While the first three examples summarized the quality of the product or performance itself, this example focuses on the quality of the customer experience. A top notch experience indicates that the customer was treated with the highest level of care, attention, and engagement throughout their interaction with the customer service representative, creating a positive and memorable experience.

• The customer service at this hotel is top notch.

  This means that the customer service provided by the hotel is of exceptionally high quality. It suggests that the service exceeds expectations and is the best possible service one could receive.

• The doctor's diagnosis was top notch.

  Here, "top notch" refers to the accuracy and effectiveness of the doctor's diagnosis. It implies that the diagnosis was precise, timely, and provided the correct course of action for the patient's health.

• The lawyer's arguments in court were top notch.

  This use of "top notch" signifies that the lawyer's arguments presented in court were of outstanding quality. It suggests that the arguments were persuasive, well-researched, and presented in a compelling manner.

• The chef's cooking skills are top notch.

  In this instance, "top notch" indicates that the chef's culinary abilities are exceptional. It suggests that the chef's cooking techniques, presentation, and flavor combinations are unparalleled and of the highest caliber.

Conclusion

The idiom "top notch" is often used to praise the quality or excellence of something. It can refer to items, such as top notch clothing or top notch service, as well as to people, such as a top notch athlete or a top notch student. Overall, it is a positive and complimentary expression used to convey high regard for something or someone.

Origin of "Top notch"

The origin of the idiom "top notch" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 19th century. The word "top" has long been used to indicate something at the highest level, and "notch" refers to a mark or point that signifies quality or excellence. When combined, the two words create the image of something being at the highest level or of the best quality. Over time, the expression "top notch" has become a widely recognized idiom for describing excellence and high quality. Examples of its usage can be found in literature, music, and everyday conversation.