pick of the litter

== English == === Pronunciation === === Noun === pick of the litter (plural picks of the litter) (idiomatic) The best person or item in a group; the best that one has to offer. ==== Usage notes ==== Originally the idiom referred to the best option out of the otherwise generally acceptable group. It originated from the idea of selecting the strongest or healthiest puppy from a litter of working dogs. Nowadays, this sense has been partially lost in favor of "the best of the best" sense. ==== Synonyms ==== best of the bunch ==== Antonyms ==== runt runt of the litter ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== cream of the crop