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Punch above One's Weight

What Does "Punch above One's Weight" Mean?

homeidiomsPunch above One's Weight
"Punch above one's weight" is an English idiom. It means "to compete, perform, or achieve success in a category, level, or situation that is beyond one's usual or expected capability."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "punch above one's weight" used in a sentence:
  • The underdog team managed to punch above their weight and defeat the reigning champions.
  • Despite his lack of experience, he consistently punches above his weight in the highly competitive industry.
  • She impressed everyone by punching above her weight and securing a prestigious job.
meaning for punch above one's weight

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Punch above One's Weight" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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