Phrase guide

punch above one's weight

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American, Received-Pronunciation: /pʌntʃ əˈbʌv wʌnz weɪt/
  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To (attempt to) achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • 2017 Tad the Lost Explorer and the Secret of King Midas I can see why you love her so much. You're definitely punching above your weight.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

An allusion to a boxer who punches more powerfully than other boxers in the same weight class.

Across languages

Translations

12 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: надскачам се (nadskačam se) — achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments
  • Chinese Mandarin: 出類拔萃 /出类拔萃 (chūlèibácuì) — achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments
  • Czech: překročit svůj stín — achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments
  • Finnish: ylittää kykynsä (overachieve) — achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments
  • Finnish: yrittää liikoja — achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments
  • French: s'attaquer à plus fort que soi — achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments
  • French: s'en prendre à plus fort que soi — achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments
  • German: über seine Grenzen hinaus wachsen — achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments
  • Polish: występować lepiej, niż się oczekiwało — achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments
  • Polish: wystąpić lepiej, niż się oczekiwało — achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments
  • Russian: пры́гнуть вы́ше головы́ (prýgnutʹ výše golový) — achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments
  • Spanish: coger cajita — achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments