When you hear someone described as la crème de la crème, you might instantly think of the “best of the best” — but the phrase feels a little extra, doesn’t it? Maybe you’ve used it when talking about a top student, a luxury brand, or a restaurant that outshines the rest. In this post, we’ll explore what “la crème de la crème” really means, where it came from, and how to use it naturally in everyday English.
Meaning of “La Crème de la Crème”
This idiom refers to people or things considered the highest quality within a group. It’s commonly used to highlight excellence, prestige, or elite status.
Main meanings:
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The absolute best of a category
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The most outstanding individuals within a group
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Something exceptionally high-quality
Short summary:
“La crème de la crème” means the very best.
Origin of “La Crème de la Crème”
The phrase comes from French, literally translating to “the cream of the cream.” In cooking, cream rises to the top — historically symbolizing richness, purity, and quality. English speakers began adopting the phrase in the late 19th to early 20th century, especially among the upper classes who borrowed French expressions to signal sophistication.
While the precise moment of its English adoption isn’t documented perfectly, most language historians agree that it gained popularity through literature, travel, and the trend of using French to describe luxury. Over time, it settled comfortably into everyday English as a way to emphasize something truly exceptional.
Examples in Sentences
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“Among all the applicants, Maya was la crème de la crème, scoring perfect marks in every round.”
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“The gala invited guests who were considered la crème de la crème of the fashion industry.”
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“This bakery is la crème de la crème when it comes to flaky croissants and buttery pastries.”
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“Our debate team is strong, but Jordan is la crème de la crème—no one delivers arguments like he does.”
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“After trying several travel agencies, we finally found one that’s truly la crème de la crème.”
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“His art collection is known as la crème de la crème among local enthusiasts.”
Similar Idioms or Phrases
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The cream of the crop – The best individuals from a group.
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Top-tier – Describes something at the highest level of quality.
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The best of the best – A direct way to emphasize exceptional superiority.
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A cut above the rest – Something noticeably better than others in comparison.
Sometimes I find myself using this idiom when something genuinely stands out. It feels fancy without being pretentious, and it adds a playful flair to everyday conversations. Whenever I describe someone as la crème de la crème, it’s my way of giving them a small linguistic round of applause.
To wrap things up, “la crème de la crème” is a delightful idiom that highlights excellence with style. You now know its meaning, French roots, and how to use it confidently. Do you use “la crème de la crème” in your everyday conversations? Share your examples in the comments!