c) to be superior
Well done ! That’s the right answer.
If you describe someone or something as the cat’s whiskers or the cat’s pyjamas, you mean they are the best person or thing of their kind.
The phrase ‘the cat’s whiskers’ is used to talk of something or someone that is highly enjoyable, desirable, or impressive, especially in a fancy or elaborate way.
While not used as commonly as in the past, references to someone being the cat’s whiskers is still generally understood to be a good thing.
The phrase is also frequently used to refer to someone who believes they are better than anyone else, or very special. ’He thinks he’s the cat’s whiskers’.
French translation
être quelque chose, être au-dessus de la mêlée
How NOT to translate : *être les moustaches du chat
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Examples in the press
‘The cat’s whiskers : TIGA reveals shortlist for UK Games Education Awards 2021
LONDON, Sept. 21, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — TIGA, the trade association representing the UK’s video games industry, today revealed the shortlist for the TIGA UK Games Education Awards 2021. TIGA’s awards recognise outstanding students, education providers and best practice. The winners of the 11 categories will be announced in a virtual ceremony on 22nd October, together with the winners of two special awards that will be revealed during the programme.’
PR Newswire, 21 sept. 2021
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‘Still the cat’s whiskers : De Kattekop nursery at 40
If there’s one place at the University where it doesn’t matter where you come from, it’s De Kattekop. This, the University nursery, celebrates its 40th birthday in September. Its history reflects developments at the University. Parents are full of praise for it.’
Universiteit Leiden, 1 Sept. 2020
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Everyday usage
The critics declared the film brilliant, the cat’s whiskers, groundbreaking, and unmissable.
Marc’s new bike is really the cat’s whiskers !
Our new CEO is definitely the cat’s whiskers !
EnglishTonic and Claramedia, 8 Sept. 2021
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