in a league of its own
群を抜いている
解説 Definition
他と比べものにならないほど優れていること。独自の高い水準にある様子。
If something is in a league of its own, it is much better, more special, or more impressive than others of the same kind. It is used to show that no close comparison is possible. This phrase is common in reviews, sports, business, and everyday praise.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
league を「スポーツのリーグ＝同じ実力帯の集まり」で押さえると覚えやすい表現です。ふつうは同じ league の中で比べますが、of its own が付くことで「そのもの専用の別リーグにいる」感覚になり、群を抜く意味になります。excellent や outstanding よりも、比較相手が見当たらないほど別格だと言いたいときに使います。レストラン、製品、選手、才能などへの強い称賛でよく使われ、少し良い程度のものには大げさです。
Think of a sports league: teams are usually compared inside the same league. If something is in a league of its own, it belongs in a separate league because the others are not on the same level. Use it for very strong praise, stronger than just "excellent".
例文
When it comes to customer service, this company is in a league of its own.
顧客サービスに関して、この会社は群を抜いている。
Her cooking skills are in a league of their own compared to other home chefs.
彼女の料理の腕前は他の家庭料理人と比べて群を抜いている。
The new smartphone is in a league of its own in terms of camera quality.
その新しいスマートフォンはカメラ性能において群を抜いている。
in a league of its own の類義語・関連語
in a league of its own の語源・成り立ち Etymology
leagueはフランス語ligueを経てラテン語ligare「結ぶ」にさかのぼり、ligamentやligatureも同根です。a leagueは本来「結ばれた仲間・同じ組」で、そこからin a league of its ownは「他と結ばれず自分だけの格にいる」感覚になります。
The key word league came into English through French ligue and goes back to Latin ligare, meaning "to bind" or "tie." Related English words like ligament and ligature come from the same root. A league first meant a group joined together, so in a league of its own came to suggest something so special that it stands apart from every other group.
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