Punch above your weight
phrase
To perform or achieve better than what is expected based on your abilities or resources.
Despite the lack of funding, the community organization often punches above its weight in terms of the services it provides.
Often appears as...
- team punches above its weight
- country punches above its weight
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
In relationships, to date or marry someone who is considered to be more socially desirable than you.
He's definitely punching above his weight dating her; she's a successful model and he's a regular office worker.
Often appears as...
- he's punching above his weight
- she's punching above her weight
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrase
To perform or achieve better than what is expected based on your abilities or resources.
Despite the lack of funding, the community organization often punches above its weight in terms of the services it provides.
Often appears as...
- team punches above its weight
- country punches above its weight
Usage tips
Informal
Idiomatic
phrase
In relationships, to date or marry someone who is considered to be more socially desirable than you.
He's definitely punching above his weight dating her; she's a successful model and he's a regular office worker.
Often appears as...
- he's punching above his weight
- she's punching above her weight
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Success
Use when someone or something succeeds in a way that surprises others.
The small startup punched above its weight by competing with tech giants.
Pro Tip 2/3Underdog Victory
It fits well when referring to an underdog who outperforms competitors.
That young athlete is punching above his weight in the international arena.
Pro Tip 3/3Not About Violence
The phrase isn't violent; it means doing better than expected, usually in a positive sense.
Her bakery is punching above its weight in a competitive market.
Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Success
Use when someone or something succeeds in a way that surprises others.
The small startup punched above its weight by competing with tech giants.
Pro Tip 2/3Underdog Victory
It fits well when referring to an underdog who outperforms competitors.
That young athlete is punching above his weight in the international arena.
Pro Tip 3/3Not About Violence
The phrase isn't violent; it means doing better than expected, usually in a positive sense.
Her bakery is punching above its weight in a competitive market.
Pro Tip 1/3Unexpected Success
Use when someone or something succeeds in a way that surprises others.
The small startup punched above its weight by competing with tech giants.
Pro Tip 2/3Underdog Victory
It fits well when referring to an underdog who outperforms competitors.
That young athlete is punching above his weight in the international arena.
Pro Tip 3/3Not About Violence
The phrase isn't violent; it means doing better than expected, usually in a positive sense.
Her bakery is punching above its weight in a competitive market.
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