33 Idioms for Best

Idioms for “best” are commonly used in everyday language to express excellence, superiority, or optimal situations. These idiomatic expressions can add flair and depth to communication, helping us convey complex ideas more simply.

Understanding these idioms will help you enhance your language skills and communicate more effectively. Whether you’re striving for the best outcome or appreciating something exceptional, these idioms are perfect for any situation.

1. Best thing since sliced bread

Meaning: Something considered to be extremely good or innovative.
In a Sentence: This new smartphone is the best thing since sliced bread; I can’t imagine life without it.
Other Ways to Say: Revolutionary invention, Groundbreaking innovation.

2. Bring out the best in someone

Meaning: To encourage or help someone perform to their highest potential.
In a Sentence: Her coach really knows how to bring out the best in her during competitions.
Other Ways to Say: Inspire greatness, Encourage strengths.

3. The best of both worlds

Meaning: The opportunity to enjoy two desirable things at once.
In a Sentence: Working from home gives me the best of both worlds – a flexible schedule and no commute.
Other Ways to Say: Perfect balance, Ideal combination.

4. Beat the best

Meaning: To surpass or defeat someone or something considered the best.
In a Sentence: The underdog team managed to beat the best in the league during the championship.
Other Ways to Say: Outdo the competition, Surpass the top contender.

5. Best foot forward

Meaning: To make a strong, positive impression or give your best effort.
In a Sentence: He made sure to put his best foot forward at the interview to secure the job.
Other Ways to Say: Give it your all, Make a great impression.

6. Make the best of a bad situation

Meaning: To find something positive in a difficult or unpleasant circumstance.
In a Sentence: We got caught in the rain, but we made the best of a bad situation and enjoyed the walk.
Other Ways to Say: Turn lemons into lemonade, Find the silver lining.

7. Best bet

Meaning: The most sensible or safest option.
In a Sentence: If you’re looking to avoid a crowd, taking the train at 7 AM is your best bet.
Other Ways to Say: Safest option, Optimal choice.

8. Best kept secret

Meaning: Something valuable that is not widely known.
In a Sentence: That café is the best kept secret in town; their coffee is outstanding.
Other Ways to Say: Hidden gem, Undiscovered treasure.

9. Best of the bunch

Meaning: The most outstanding among a group of similar things or people.
In a Sentence: Out of all the applicants, Maria was definitely the best of the bunch.
Other Ways to Say: Cream of the crop, Top pick.

10. Best thing since indoor plumbing

Meaning: Something incredibly useful or important, a game changer.
In a Sentence: The invention of online shopping is the best thing since indoor plumbing.
Other Ways to Say: Revolutionary, Life-changing.

11. Best-selling

Meaning: The most popular product or item based on sales.
In a Sentence: That fantasy novel is one of the best-selling books of the year.
Other Ways to Say: Top-selling, Most popular.

12. Give it your best shot

Meaning: To try your hardest or do your best.
In a Sentence: I know it’s a tough task, but just give it your best shot.
Other Ways to Say: Do your best, Give it your all.

13. Make the best of both worlds

Meaning: To combine two beneficial or desirable situations.
In a Sentence: By taking online courses part-time, she made the best of both worlds, earning a degree while working.
Other Ways to Say: Capitalize on both opportunities, Enjoy both benefits.

14. Best friend

Meaning: A close, trusted friend who is considered the most important.
In a Sentence: My dog is my best friend; we spend all our free time together.
Other Ways to Say: Closest companion, Loyal confidant.

15. Best-kept secret

Meaning: Something not widely known or shared.
In a Sentence: The little bookstore downtown is a best-kept secret; their selection of rare books is impressive.
Other Ways to Say: Hidden treasure, Undisclosed gem.

16. Best in class

Meaning: The highest quality within a specific category or field.
In a Sentence: Our company’s new software is the best in class, offering the most advanced features.
Other Ways to Say: Top-tier, Premium quality.

17. Best wishes

Meaning: A phrase expressing hope for someone’s success or happiness.
In a Sentence: I’m sending you my best wishes for a smooth journey and safe travels.
Other Ways to Say: Good luck, Wishing you all the best.

18. The best is yet to come

Meaning: The most exciting or rewarding part of something is still ahead.
In a Sentence: The team has had a fantastic season, and we’re confident that the best is yet to come.
Other Ways to Say: More to come, The future holds great things.

19. Best practice

Meaning: The most effective method or technique to achieve a desired result.
In a Sentence: Regularly backing up your data is a best practice in any workplace.
Other Ways to Say: Optimal method, Recommended approach.

20. Best-case scenario

Meaning: The most positive or ideal outcome possible.
In a Sentence: In the best-case scenario, we’ll finish the project ahead of schedule.
Other Ways to Say: Perfect outcome, Ideal result.

21. Choose the best of a bad lot

Meaning: To select the least undesirable option from a poor set of choices.
In a Sentence: None of the cars were ideal, but she had to choose the best of a bad lot.
Other Ways to Say: Pick the best available option, Select the least worst.

22. Bestow an honor

Meaning: To give or grant an award or special recognition.
In a Sentence: The president will bestow an honor on the local hero during the ceremony.
Other Ways to Say: Award a distinction, Grant recognition.

23. Personal best

Meaning: The best performance or achievement an individual has reached in a particular activity.
In a Sentence: After months of training, she broke her personal best in the marathon.
Other Ways to Say: Peak performance, Career-high.

24. Make the best of it

Meaning: To accept a difficult situation and adapt to it.
In a Sentence: The weather wasn’t great, but we decided to make the best of it and go on our hike anyway.
Other Ways to Say: Adapt to circumstances, Accept and move forward.

25. Best fit

Meaning: The most appropriate or suitable choice for a particular purpose.
In a Sentence: After trying on several suits, I found the best fit for my wedding day.
Other Ways to Say: Ideal match, Perfect choice.

26. Best of the best

Meaning: The highest quality or the best among an elite group.
In a Sentence: The chef at this restaurant is the best of the best, winning numerous culinary awards.
Other Ways to Say: Top-tier, Elite selection.

27. Best laid plans

Meaning: Even the most carefully made plans can go wrong.
In a Sentence: Our picnic was ruined by rain, but as they say, the best laid plans often fail.
Other Ways to Say: Well-laid plans, Perfectly planned.

28. The best of both worlds

Meaning: Combining two different advantages or situations.
In a Sentence: Working from home and having a flexible schedule gives me the best of both worlds.
Other Ways to Say: The best combination, The perfect balance.

29. Best in show

Meaning: The best entry or participant in a competition, especially in a contest of animals or crafts.
In a Sentence: The golden retriever won best in show at the dog competition.
Other Ways to Say: Top prize, Champion.

30. Best and brightest

Meaning: The most talented or skilled individuals.
In a Sentence: The company hires only the best and brightest to ensure success.
Other Ways to Say: Elite group, Top talents.

31. The best of times, the worst of times

Meaning: A phrase referring to a situation that has both positive and negative aspects.
In a Sentence: It was the best of times, the worst of times, balancing work and family life.
Other Ways to Say: Mixed emotions, Rollercoaster experience.

32. Best dressed

Meaning: The person who is dressed in the most fashionable or elegant way.
In a Sentence: At the gala, she was definitely the best dressed of the night.
Other Ways to Say: Best looking, Most fashionable.

33. Best foot forward

Meaning: To make a good start or impression.
In a Sentence: On his first day at work, he made sure to put his best foot forward.
Other Ways to Say: Start strong, Begin on a high note.

MCQs

1. What does the idiom “Best thing since sliced bread” mean?

A) Something considered to be outdated
B) Something considered to be extremely good or innovative
C) Something simple but practical
D) Something that was invented a long time ago
Answer: B) Something considered to be extremely good or innovative

2. What is the meaning of “Bring out the best in someone”?

A) To criticize someone for their shortcomings
B) To make someone perform to their highest potential
C) To put someone in a challenging situation
D) To help someone relax
Answer: B) To make someone perform to their highest potential

3. The idiom “The best of both worlds” refers to:

A) Enjoying the advantages of two different things at once
B) Being confused between two good options
C) Achieving greatness in only one field
D) A situation with no negatives at all
Answer: A) Enjoying the advantages of two different things at once

4. What does the idiom “Beat the best” mean?

A) To make friends with the best people
B) To surpass or defeat someone who is considered the best
C) To follow the example of the best
D) To get lucky in a competition
Answer: B) To surpass or defeat someone who is considered the best

5. “Best foot forward” means:

A) To give your best effort or make a strong impression
B) To focus on walking faster than others
C) To slow down and relax during a challenge
D) To consider all possible options before taking action
Answer: A) To give your best effort or make a strong impression

6. What is meant by “Make the best of a bad situation”?

A) To pretend a bad situation doesn’t exist
B) To try to find something positive in a difficult circumstance
C) To avoid any difficult situation entirely
D) To turn a bad situation into a worse one
Answer: B) To try to find something positive in a difficult circumstance

7. What does the idiom “Best bet” refer to?

A) The most likely or sensible option
B) A risky choice with high rewards
C) The option with the least chance of success
D) Betting on the most expensive choice
Answer: A) The most likely or sensible option

8. “Best-kept secret” refers to:

A) Something that everyone knows
B) Something not widely known or shared
C) A secret that is impossible to keep
D) A treasure that is easy to find
Answer: B) Something not widely known or shared

9. What does the idiom “Best of the bunch” mean?

A) The most average among a group
B) The least impressive of a group
C) The most outstanding among a group of similar things or people
D) The least desirable in a group
Answer: C) The most outstanding among a group of similar things or people

10. “Best-selling” refers to:

A) A product with high sales figures
B) A product that no one wants
C) A new product that hasn’t sold yet
D) A product that is available for free
Answer: A) A product with high sales figures

11. What is the meaning of “Give it your best shot”?

A) To try your hardest or do your best
B) To take a wild guess
C) To give up without trying
D) To throw something carelessly
Answer: A) To try your hardest or do your best

12. What does “Make the best of both worlds” mean?

A) Combining two beneficial situations or opportunities
B) Choosing one world over the other
C) Settling for one benefit at a time
D) Focusing on one single aspect of life
Answer: A) Combining two beneficial situations or opportunities

13. “Best friend” refers to:

A) A casual acquaintance
B) A close, trusted friend
C) A friend you see only occasionally
D) A person who is good at everything
Answer: B) A close, trusted friend

14. “Best in class” means:

A) The lowest quality in a group
B) The highest quality or performance in a particular category
C) The class with the most students
D) The worst performer in a category
Answer: B) The highest quality or performance in a particular category

15. What does “Best wishes” express?

A) A sign of jealousy
B) A phrase conveying hope for someone’s success or happiness
C) A way to express disappointment
D) A message of caution
Answer: B) A phrase conveying hope for someone’s success or happiness

16. “The best is yet to come” refers to:

A) The worst part of something is still ahead
B) The most exciting or rewarding part is still to happen
C) The event has already peaked
D) Things will get worse before they get better
Answer: B) The most exciting or rewarding part is still to happen

17. “Best practice” refers to:

A) A method considered the most effective
B) A rule that should be avoided
C) A new trend
D) A method that is outdated
Answer: A) A method considered the most effective

18. What does “Best-case scenario” mean?

A) The worst possible outcome
B) The most favorable or ideal outcome
C) A situation with no clear outcome
D) A situation where all outcomes are negative
Answer: B) The most favorable or ideal outcome

19. “Choose the best of a bad lot” refers to:

A) Selecting the best option from a limited or poor selection
B) Picking the easiest option
C) Choosing the worst possible option
D) Picking the option with the highest price
Answer: A) Selecting the best option from a limited or poor selection

20. What does “Bestow an honor” mean?

A) To ignore someone’s achievements
B) To grant or give a special recognition or award
C) To criticize someone for their lack of effort
D) To take something away from someone
Answer: B) To grant or give a special recognition or award

21. “Personal best” means:

A) Your highest achievement in a particular activity
B) Your worst performance in an activity
C) The highest score anyone has achieved
D) A personal mistake
Answer: A) Your highest achievement in a particular activity

22. “Make the best of it” refers to:

A) Making a situation worse
B) Accepting and adapting to a situation, even if it’s not ideal
C) Avoiding difficult situations
D) Ignoring the situation completely
Answer: B) Accepting and adapting to a situation, even if it’s not ideal

23. “Best fit” means:

A) The least suitable option
B) The most appropriate choice for a particular purpose
C) An option that is too large
D) The option that is the most expensive
Answer: B) The most appropriate choice for a particular purpose

24. “Best of the best” refers to:

A) The lowest quality in a group
B) The most talented or skilled individuals
C) The people with the most experience
D) The most average people
Answer: B) The most talented or skilled individuals

25. “Best laid plans” means:

A) Plans that always succeed
B) Plans that were made with little thought
C) Plans that often don’t go as expected
D) Plans made for a bad outcome
Answer: C) Plans that often don’t go as expected

26. “Best in show” refers to:

A) The person with the most showy attire
B) The best entry in a competition, especially in contests like dog shows
C) A show that lasts the longest
D) A show with the highest ratings
Answer: B) The best entry in a competition, especially in contests like dog shows

27. “Best and brightest” means:

A) The least skilled people
B) The most talented or skilled individuals
C) People who are always lucky
D) Individuals with no particular skills
Answer: B) The most talented or skilled individuals

28. “The best of times, the worst of times” refers to:

A) A situation with only positive aspects
B) A situation that is entirely negative
C) A situation with both positive and negative aspects
D) A period where nothing happens
Answer: C) A situation with both positive and negative aspects

29. “Best dressed” refers to:

A) The most fashionable or elegant person in a group
B) The person with the most comfortable outfit
C) Someone who doesn’t care about their appearance
D) The person who is always in sportswear
Answer: A) The most fashionable or elegant person in a group

30. “Best foot forward” means:

A) To put your best effort or start off strong
B) To go slow and take your time
C) To delay making a decision
D) To give up after failing
Answer: A) To put your best effort or start off strong

Conclusion

Understanding idioms related to the word “best” enhances our communication skills and allows us to express ideas in a more vivid and effective way. These idioms offer creative ways to convey success, quality, and potential, enriching both written and spoken language.

By incorporating these expressions into our daily conversations, we not only sound more natural but also add a layer of depth to our communication. So, next time you’re looking for a fresh way to describe something outstanding or impressive, consider using one of these “best” idioms to make your point clear and engaging!