second to none
Without any equal
Second to none means the best, unsurpassed by anything or anyone.
The phrase works by negation—if nothing ranks above something, it occupies first place: Her skills as a negotiator are second to none.
Despite the indirect phrasing, the meaning is emphatic and unambiguous.
- unparalleledHaving no equivalent
- incomparableWithout equal or rival
- peerlessHaving no equal
- matchlessHaving no equal
- nonpareilUnrivaled, beyond compare
unrivaled · unsurpassed · sui generis · perfect · inimitable · unique · crème de la crème · cream of the crop · best of the best · beyond compare · bar none · supreme · first-rate · top notch · preeminent · unequaled · ne plus ultra · finest
- Braggingbrag, gloat, show off, flex, swagger
- Excellence Termscream of the crop, top notch, gold standard, crème de la crème, best of the best
- Mottoescarpe diem, be prepared, excelsior, always ready, liberty or death
- superlativesexcellent, superb, best, outstanding, supreme
second to nonedead last
Finishing behind all others
bottom of the barrel · the worst · worst · rock bottom · the pits
second to nonelast place
Lowest rank achieved
dead last · bringing up the rear · at the bottom · cellar dweller · also-ran
second to nonemediocre
Of only moderate quality
average · run-of-the-mill · ordinary · unremarkable · middling
second, secondary, seconds, second-rate, seconded, second-hand, second-class, seconding, secondarily