What is cream of the crop?

"Cream of the crop" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the best or most outstanding individuals or things in a particular group. The phrase originates from the agricultural practice of skimming cream from milk, where the cream, being richer and more desirable, rises to the top. This metaphorically translates to selecting the highest quality or top-tier elements from a range of options.

In various contexts, "cream of the crop" can refer to people, such as the most talented employees in a company or the top students in a class. It can also refer to objects or abstract concepts, like the finest artworks in a gallery or the most promising ideas in a brainstorming session. The term underscores excellence and superior quality.