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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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