Contents
- 1 English
- 1.1 Alternative forms
- 1.2 Etymology
- 1.3 Pronunciation
- 1.4 Verb
- 1.4.1 Synonyms
- 1.4.2 Antonyms
English[edit]
Alternative forms[edit]
Etymology[edit]
An allusion to the sport of boxing, where contenders fight in various weight classes.
Pronunciation[edit]
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb[edit]
punch below one's weight (third-person singular simple present punches below one's weight, present participle punching below one's weight, simple past and past participle punched below one's weight)
- (idiomatic) To achieve or perform at a level lower than should be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments.
2001 September 29, “For men who should know better”, in Telegraph, UK, retrieved 23 December 2009:
But the overall effect is flimsy and insubstantial, a gifted writer punching well below his weight.
2023 May 29, Jonathan Head, “Pita Limjaroenrat: Thai election upstart who vows to be different”, in BBC[1]:
Under the military-backed governments of the past decade Thailand is widely viewed as having punched below its weight in international affairs, with Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha taking little interest in foreign policy.
