punching 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.

Ask AI about this wordChatGPTClaudePerplexityGoogle AIGrok

Meanings

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

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

MLA

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

Chicago

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

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