English

Alternative forms

• hit above one's weight

Verb

punch above one's weight

1. (idiomatic) To achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments.
   • 2008 Dec. 11, David Charter, "Ireland takes a gamble on new Lisbon vote," Times Online (UK) (retrieved 23 Dec 2009):

     Ireland's current commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, is such a high-profile and outspoken figure who punches above his weight in Brussels in the important role of internal market commissioner.

   • 2011 January 29, Chris Bevan, “Torquay 0 - 1 Crawley Town”, in BBC:

     Having spent more than £500,000 on players last summer, Crawley can hardly be classed as minnows but they have still punched way above their weight and this kind of performance means no-one will relish pulling them out of the hat in Sunday's draw.

Synonyms

• overachieve

Antonyms

• underachieve, punch below one's weight

Translations