The Cream of the Crop 🎂
Definition:
Cream of the crop (noun): The very best of a group or category. One might say, “The top-notch folks, the finest wine, the zenith of talent, the crème de la crème!”
🔁 Related and Similar Terms:
- Top shelf: The best quality.
- Prime: Of first importance; main.
- A1: Excellent; first-class.
- Top-notch: Of the highest quality.
- Elite: Superior in quality, affluence, and influence.
- Supreme: The highest in rank or authority.
- The cat’s whiskers (or the bee’s knees): Something considered to be outstandingly good.
📚 Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies:
Literature:
- The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie by Muriel Spark - The quintessential read highlighting the crème de la crème of students under Miss Brodie’s influence.
Movies:
- The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie (1969) - Maggie Smith at her best as the zealous teacher championing the crème de la crème.
Songs:
- “Simply the Best” by Tina Turner - An anthem celebrating excellence and greatness.
Poetry:
- “Ulysses” by Alfred Lord Tennyson - The poem evokes the spirit of constantly aspiring to be more than ordinary.
✍️ Noteworthy Proverbs and Quotes:
Proverb: “The best of the best.” - Synonymous with crème de la crème. Quote:
- “You are the cream of nothing, unless you can rise above.” - Perfectly hypothetical, but stimulating!
Quotable Fun 🤓
- “Finding the cream in the milk jug isn’t hard; finding the cream amongst people is the real job.” - Imaginary dairy enthusiast.
Did You Know? 💡
The phrase “cream of the crop” originates from the richest part of milk—cream—rising to the top. Adopted in the 17th century for its alliteration, it signifies the best part of any collected entity.
Books for Further Reading 📘:
- Crème de la Crème by Wendy Holden - Fun and witty account of aristocracy and social climbers.
- Peak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise by Anders Ericsson and Robert Pool - Elevates the narrative on achieving excellence.
Farewell Thought 🌟:
“Seize every moment as the opportunity to be your finest self. Strive for your crème de la crème status, for anything less sells everyone short.”
### Which of these is synonymous with "cream of the crop"?
- [ ] Bare minimum
- [x] The cat's whiskers
- [ ] Bottom of the barrel
- [ ] Middle of the road
> **Explanation:** "The cat's whiskers" is a playful term meaning something that is considered outstanding or excellent, akin to "cream of the crop."
### Which phrase refers to the absolute best?
- [x] Top-notch
- [ ] Second fiddle
- [ ] Third wheel
- [ ] Close but no cigar
> **Explanation:** "Top-notch" refers to the absolute best, in the same way as "cream of the crop."
### True or False: "La crème de la crème" means 'middle of the road.'
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** "La crème de la crème" literally translates to "the cream of the cream," meaning the very best, not ‘middle of the road.’
### Which word is similar in meaning to "cream of the crop"?
- [x] Prime
- [ ] Mediocre
- [ ] Subpar
- [ ] Ordinary
> **Explanation:** "Prime" is synonymous with the best or top-tier, like "cream of the crop."
