Meaning of 'cream of the crop'

[Silke]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #202 "Idioms about Food", question 1

Ethan's teachers told him he is the 'cream of the crop' of his graduating class. What does 'cream of the crop' mean? ..........

(a) Good
(b) The best
(c) Not so good

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #202 "Idioms about Food", answer 1

Ethan's teachers told him he is the 'cream of the crop' of his graduating class. What does 'cream of the crop' mean? The best.

Correct answer: (b) The best
_________________________

meaning of 'cream of the crop', please

Silke

[Conchita]

As already explained in the test answer, 'the cream' (or 'cream of the crop') means 'the best' or 'the top'. In this case, it means that Ethan is the student with the best results. You could also say that he came top of the class.