the highest level in rank, excellence, or importance:
a musician strictly out of the top drawer.
Origin
1900-05
Related forms
top-drawer, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for top-drawer
top drawer
noun
1.
people of the highest standing, esp socially (esp in the phrase out of the top drawer)
Slang definitions & phrases for top-drawer
top-drawer
adjective
Of the highest quality; most superior; tops: The drinks they serve are absolutely top-drawer
[1920+; fr a British expression out of the top drawer, ''upper-class, well-bred'']
Idioms and Phrases with top-drawer
top drawer
Of the highest quality, importance, or rank, as in The musicians in this pick-up orchestra were top drawer. It probably alludes to the uppermost drawer in a bureau or chest, where the most valuable objects (such as jewelry) are usually kept. [ c. 1900 ]