second to none
誰にも劣らない
解説 Definition
誰にも負けない、最高水準であること。他の追随を許さないほど優秀な状態。
If something is second to none, it is as good as the very best and not worse than anything else. It is often used to praise quality, skill, or reputation in a very strong way.
覚え方のコツ Memory Tip
second を見て「2番目」と直訳しないのがコツ。second to none は、誰と比べても none＝上に来る相手がいない、というまとまりで覚えると定着します。つまり「実質トップ級」。とても強い褒め言葉で、Her skill is second to none. のように能力・品質・評判を高く評価するときによく使います。best の言い換えに近いが、少しこなれた表現です。
Do not read `second` here as just "number two." Think of the whole chunk: `second to none` = compared with everyone else, there is `none` above it. It is a strong praise phrase, often used for skill, quality, or reputation.
例文
When it comes to precision engineering, this company is second to none.
精密工学に関して、この会社は誰にも劣らない。
Her dedication to her patients is second to none.
患者に対する彼女の献身は誰にも劣らない。
The quality of education at this university is second to none in the country.
この大学の教育の質は国内で誰にも劣らない。
second to none の類義語・関連語
類義語
second to none の語源・成り立ち Etymology
secondはラテン語secundus「後に続く」、noneは古英語nanにさかのぼり、sequenceやconsecutiveがsecondと同根です。誰一人として前に来る者がnoneもない、つまり「二番手にすらならない」という逆説が、「誰にも劣らない」を強く響かせます。
Second comes from Latin secundus, meaning following or next, while none comes from Old English nān, meaning not one. The phrase works as a paradox: if something is second to none, it does not come after anyone at all. Because of that, it developed the strong meaning of being equal to the very best. Words like sequence and consecutive share the same Latin root as second.
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