top hand
Control grip position
A top hand is a highly skilled ranch worker, especially one who excels at roping, riding, and cattle work.
The term comes from the American West, where cowboys were ranked by ability—a top hand earned respect and often higher wages.
He's been a top hand on this ranch for twenty years.
The phrase sometimes extends to anyone exceptionally competent at their craft.
Mounted cattle herder
- wranglerLivestock handler on ranches
- herdsmanOne tending livestock
- stockmanLivestock raiser or tender
- cattlemanOne who raises bovines
drover · buckaroo · vaquero · cowpoke · cowhand · ranchhand · range rider · gaucho
Skill in making objects
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- techniqueSkilled way of performing
- proficiencySkilled performance level
- dexteritySkillful hand coordination
finesse · knack · aptitude · competence · mastery · artistry · adeptness · prowess
Single-pip card
- adeptHighly capable, well-versed
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- maestroDistinguished musical leader
- proIn favor of
veteran · master · specialist · whiz · seasoned · proficient · skilled · experienced
cowboy
Mounted cattle herder
cattleman · drover · buckaroo · vaquero · cowpoke · cowhand · ranchhand · range rider · gaucho · ranchero
craftsmanship
Skill in making objects
- precisionAccuracy of measurement
- techniqueSkilled way of performing
- proficiencySkilled performance level
dexterity · finesse · knack · aptitude · competence · mastery · artistry · adeptness · prowess · handiwork
ace
Single-pip card
- adeptHighly capable, well-versed
- virtuosoSupremely accomplished performer
- maestroDistinguished musical leader
pro · veteran · master · specialist · whiz · seasoned · proficient · skilled · experienced · journeyman
trustworthy
Worthy of confidence
- dependableWorthy of trust
- steadyFixed, not fluctuating
- consistentNot varying or contradicting
faithful · loyal · staunch · solid · unfailing · stalwart · steadfast · dedicated · committed · unwavering
top handgreenhorn
Inexperienced, gullible newcomer
tenderfoot · dude · ranch hand · hired hand · wrangler
top, hand, tops, topped, topping, topper, topmost, overtop, hands