a notch above
One level higher
A notch above means slightly superior to something else, better by one degree: The restaurant was a notch above the usual chain places.
The image comes from notches cut into wood or stone to mark gradations on a scale.
The phrase often appears with qualifiers: a notch or two above, several notches above.
- head and shouldersDistinctly better than others
- superiorHigher in rank
- cream of the cropThe very best
- incrementalProceeding by small additions
- accomplishedHighly skilled, expert
better · edge · exceptional · outstanding · elevated · triumphant · distinguished · premium · renowned · first-rate · stepwise · refined · tiered · flawless · unparalleled · hierarchical · comparative · greater
relative quality/ranking
a notch abovesecond-rate
Below acceptable standards
subpar · beneath · lesser · not up to par · falling short
degree of superiority
a notch abovemiles ahead
comparable · peerless · unmatched · on par · on par with