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the bee's knees
01
a person or thing that is exceptionally good
Idiom
Informal
What is the origin of the idiom "the bee's knees" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "the bee's knees" is uncertain, but it is believed to have emerged in the 1920s in the United States during the era of flappers and jazz. The phrase is mostly used to describe something or someone as excellent, outstanding, or of very high quality. It gained popularity as part of the slang vocabulary during the Roaring Twenties, a time of societal and cultural change, where it became synonymous with the latest trends, fashionable items, or anything considered to be top-notch.
Example
The new sports car he bought is the bee's knees, with its sleek design and powerful engine.
The latest smartphone model is touted as the bee's knees, with its advanced features and sleek design.
She showed up at the party wearing a stunning dress that was the bee's knees, drawing everyone's attention.
In the 1920s, 'the bee's knees' was popular slang for something outstanding or extraordinary.