punched above one's weight

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

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Meanings

verb
  1. participlepastsimple past and past participle of punch above one's weight.
Cite this entry
APA

punched above one's weight. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/punched%20above%20one's%20weight

MLA

“punched above one's weight.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/punched%20above%20one's%20weight. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “punched above one's weight,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/punched%20above%20one's%20weight.

Source: punched above one's weight on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.