punches 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.

Meanings

verb
  1. indicativepresentsingularthird personthird-person singular simple present indicative of punch above one's weight
Cite this entry
APA

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

MLA

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

Chicago

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

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