Excellence


To be so prized and valuable as to not be obtainable by money.

Getting in to the school hall for the annual nativity play cost us $5 but seeing little Angie in the lead role was beyond price.

Britain, 16th century.

Worldwide.


With a good understanding of a situation and a readiness to act.

I gave him the predicted profits and he immediately knew they were wrong and sold the stock. He was really on the ball financially.

USA. Deriving from the expression ‘keep your eye on the ball’.

Worldwide.


Still used with its literal meaning of ‘beyond the range of sight’ but more commonly used in its hippie-era meaning of ‘excellent; extraordinary’.

The other runners were good, but Usian Bolt was out of sight.

USA, 19th century coinage before being re-used in the 1960s.

Worldwide.


Excellent; wonderful.

Wow, that 20-year old whiskey is peachy keen..

USA, mid-20th century.

Mostly USA.


The ability to determine a musical note by ear.

He knew that the cars engine was humming a D sharp just by listening – he has perfect pitch.

Britain, 1920s. Deriving from the earlier ‘absolute pitch’, which is known from the 1880s.

Worldwide.


The benefits available from two apparently conflicting options.

I went on a sailing holiday and got to stay in a cosy beachside villa each night. It seemed like the best of both worlds.

Britain, 19th century.

Worldwide.


An outstandingly good idea or plan.

Some people hate iPhones Apple fanboys think they are the best thing since sliced bread.

Britain, 20th century.

Worldwide.


The 12th of August – the start of the British grouse shooting season.

Just two weeks to go. I’ve booked all the beaters and the trip to the grouse moor is all set – bring on the glorious twelfth.

Britain.


Something that makes a good situation even better.

Winning the race was great. Getting a medal and a prize was the icing on the cake.

USA, late 19th century.

Worldwide.

Gary Martin is a writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.

Gary Martin

Writer and researcher on the origins of phrases and the creator of the Phrase Finder website. Over the past 26 years more than 700 million of his pages have been downloaded by readers. He is one of the most popular and trusted sources of information on phrases and idioms.