top shelf

== English == === Alternative forms === top-shelf (adjective only) === Etymology === (US: best, or high quality): Possibly from the higher quality, thus more expensive, thus less often used liquors being stored on the less accessible top shelf behind a wet bar. (British: material with adult content): Such material is often stored on the top shelf in a newsagent's shop, where it is both less visible and harder to reach without being seen. === Pronunciation === === Adjective === top shelf (not comparable) (US, idiomatic) Best, or high quality. [from late 19th c.] Synonyms: top notch; see also Thesaurus:excellent (British, idiomatic) Describing books, magazines, or movies that have adult content or softcore pornography. === Noun === top shelf (plural top shelves) (Canada, ice hockey) The upper part of the goal. === References === Lai, Anne, editor (2005), Bartending 101: The Basics of Mixology‎[1], 4th edition, Harvard Student Agencies, Inc., St. Martin's Press, →ISBN, pages 7–9 === Anagrams === fleshpot