punching below one's weight

A form of punch below one's weight — To achieve or perform at a level lower than should be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments.

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Meanings

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

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

MLA

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

Chicago

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

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