punch above one's weight
verb/pʌntʃ əˈbʌv wʌnz weɪt/US
Etymology
An allusion to a boxer who punches more powerfully than other boxers in the same weight class.
Definitions
To (attempt to) achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on…
To (attempt to) achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments.
- Ireland's current commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, is such a high-profile and outspoken figure who punches above his weight in Brussels in the important role of internal market commissioner.
- 2017 Tad the Lost Explorer and the Secret of King Midas I can see why you love her so much. You're definitely punching above your weight.
The neighborhood
- antonympunch below one's weight
- antonymunderachieve
Vish — recursive loop
No curated loop yet for punch above one's weight. Loops are being traced one word at a time while the ingestion pipeline matures.
sense glosses and etymology drawn from English Wiktionary · source · CC-BY-SA