top shelf
The phrase "top shelf" has different meanings depending on the region and context, ranging from high quality to specific uses in sports and adult content.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2General
(US, Canada, idiomatic)Describing something of the highest quality.
Example
- The whiskey at the top shelf is reserved for special occasions.
- She always buys top-shelf products for her skincare routine.
C1Media
(UK, idiomatic)Referring to material with adult content or softcore pornography.
Example
- The magazine is considered top shelf and is not suitable for minors.
- He quickly glanced at the top-shelf section before moving on.
B2Sports
(Canada, ice hockey, idiomatic)The upper part of the goal in ice hockey.
Example
- He scored a beautiful top-shelf goal in the final seconds of the game.
- The goalie couldn't reach the puck as it flew into the top shelf.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "top shelf":
top tieron the shelfupper deckon toptop linebottom drawerup top