punching above one’s weight
performing better than expected
TRANSLATION
punch above one’s weight = in einer höheren Liga mitspielen, auf einem höheren Niveau konkurrieren, kann sich gegen erheblich stärkere Konkurrenten behaupten
STATISTICS
IN THE PRESS
“PUNCHING ABOVE THEIR WEIGHT, but why? Explaining Denmark and Estonia in the transatlantic relationship.”
Anders Wivel & Matthew Crandall - Journal of Transatlantic Studies
Did you
know?
punch above one’s weight
idiom
- to perform, achieve, or do something at a level that is considered beyond one’s abilities, talents, or personal attributes
- to be romantically involved with someone who is considered by others to be superior in physical appearance, intelligence, or success
- if a country or business punches above its weight, it becomes involved in, or succeeds in, an activity that needs more power, money, etc. than it seems to have
Farlex Dictionary / Cambridge dictionary
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ORIGIN
In the early 19th century, weight classes in boxing were established and boxing matches were divided into different weight categories: heavyweight, middleweight, lightweight, flyweight, etc. The sport is regulated so that only boxers of the same weight fight each other. Someone from a lighter weight wouldn’t be expected to have much chance if ‘punching above their weight’ against a heavier fighter.
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COMMON USAGE
The term is often used figuratively in situations where someone finds themselves competing outside their usual class. For example, the Irish comedian Graham Norton described that, since becoming well-known, he was able to attract better-looking partners than previously, and that he was punching above his weight when it came to relationships.
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SYNONYMS
exceed expectations, exceed requirements, go beyond expectations, go above and beyond, go above and beyond the call of duty, go the extra mile, outperform, overdeliver, overperform, PUNCH ABOVE ONE’S WEIGHT, surpass expectations, transcend expectations
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ANTONYMS
to punch below one’s weight, underachieve, out of one’s league, to bite off more than one can chew
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Practice OWAD in an English conversation, say something like:
“In a post-Brexit world, many people see Britain as trying unsuccessfully to PUNCH ABOVE ITS WEIGHT.”
Or non-politically:
“Against Goliath, David was definitely PUNCHING ABOVE HIS WEIGHT.”
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