crème de la crème
Top of top
Crème de la crème is French for "the cream of the cream"—the very best of something, the elite among the elite.
Where cream alone suggests the top layer, crème de la crème emphasizes absolute superiority: The program attracts the crème de la crème of young scientists.
The phrase carries a whiff of sophistication, sometimes used with irony.
- top-notchOf superior quality
- top shelfFinest available quality
- upper classWealthiest societal stratum
- upper echelonHighest level of hierarchy
- blue bloodAristocratic descent
elite · A list · outstanding · cream · cream of the crop · pick of the litter · first-rate · gold standard · finest hour · exceptional · premier · unparalleled · best of the best · beautiful people · aristocracy · distinguished · renowned · rarefied
- Excellence Termscream of the crop, top notch, gold standard, best of the best, top tier
crème de la crèmedregs
Residue at bottom
bottom of the barrel · the worst · scum · riffraff · trash
crème de la crèmehoi polloi
The common masses
bottom-feeders · the masses · rank and file · rabble · riffraff
creamed, creaminess, creamery, creamer, creamers, creamlike, creameries, crème