surpass

surpass (oneself)

To do better in some activity or deed than one has ever been able to accomplish. The president has surpassed himself with this State of the Union address, delivering one of the most powerful and inspiring speeches in recent memory. Congratulations, team, each and everyone of you surpassed yourselves on this project!

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surpass (someone or something) in (something)

To do better than someone or something else in some activity, aspect, or deed. I trained her in this profession, and she surpassed me in it faster than I could have ever anticipated. The new model surpasses its predecessor in the sharpness of its camera's images, but beyond that, there's isn't much new to write home about.

See also: surpass

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

surpass someone or something in something

to exceed someone or something in some deed or quality. I will never be able to surpass Jill in speed or agility. My car surpasses yours in almost every respect.

See also: surpass

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

surpass oneself

To do the best that one ever has done at a given activity.

See also: surpass

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.