league

be out of someone's league

to be too good or too expensive for you. He was so good-looking and so popular that I felt he was out of my league.

bush league (American, informal)

not done to the usual or accepted standards. His article was a bush league stunt to discredit the company, and he has apologized.

See also: bush

not in the same league

not nearly as good as something or someone else. My four-year-old computer's just not in the same league as the latest machines with their super-fast processors. (often + as)

See also: same

Ivy League (American)

the Ivy League - a group of old and very good colleges in the north-east of the US. He doesn't have the Ivy League education of some of his opponents. He hated the Ivy League conformity of the college.

the Ivy League (American)

a group of old and very good colleges in the north-east of the US. The company thinks the best management trainees come from the Ivy League.

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in league with someone

agreeing to do something with someone else. The accountant and the chairman were in league to hide the company's debts. I believe my children are in league with the devil!

Usage notes: often said about an activity that is not completely legal or approved of

in the same league (as someone/something)

having qualities or achievements similar to someone or something else. The new foundation will be giving away $55 million a year, putting it in the same league as other well-known charities. You don't often get to hear two symphony orchestras that are in the same league within a single week.

Usage notes: often used in the form not in the same league: He's made a lot of money, but his net worth is not in the same league as that computer guy's.

See also: same

out of your league

1. doing something you are not prepared for. She was clearly out of her league, suddenly forced to finish a project she knew little about.

2. not right for you. I think an expensive car is a little out of your league right now, don't you?