ace high

noun

Etymology

Developed from a meaning of the adjective ace high, which is recorded earlier in other varieties of English with reference to the highest card in a hand or suit in games such as poker. See OED ace-high, adj.

Meaning & use

Also ace hi, ace-high

  1. 1918–Something that is excellent and high quality, or a person who is trustworthy, loyal, or an expert in their field.
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    1918
    John E. Treager will in 1904 succeed himself as Coronoer of Cook County, for so far honest John Trager has conducted the affairs of his office in the interest of the people and not for his private gain, and this fact causes him to stand ace high with teh tac payers throughout Cook County.
    W. H. Eccles Wireless Telegraphy & Telephony Gloss.
    1925
    I don't care how they dress or how they look,/as ling as they drink wine, they ace-high in my book
    G. K. Chesterton Everlasting Man i. iii. 70
    1927
    He is an active Republican, and those who support him will have nothing to regret. With the colored people he stands ace high, and will receive their loyal support.
    General Radio Experimenter April
    1959
    Hon. Emmett Whealan, who is successfully finishing his first term as county commissioner, always greets all comers with a pleasant smile and with the glad hand, who stands ace high with all classes of his fellow citizens and has a splendid business record behind him.
    K. Henney Radio Engineering Handbook ed. 5 66
    1961
    On farm or in town you'll find yourself "ace high" with your youngsters if you build them the handymen project we're outlining today—a playhouse!
    Bible New English Bible John i. 1
    1986
    An official was asked: "How does Colonel Julian stand here?" He replied in air-lingo: "He stands ace-high!"
    Washington Post 11 April c6/4
    1988
    Medicine Lodge will have an ace-high Fourth of July celebration this year, and among other attractions is advertised the blowing up of the Spanish battleship "Vizcaya."
    Chicago Tribune 29 January vii. 71/2
    1988
    Pompez, who was once a reputed millionaire when he was ace high among the Harlem numbers bankers, but who lost his bankroll and had to start practically from scratch, brought in the aging Dave "Showboat" Thomas, one-time flower at first base of the Birmingham Black Barons of 1929.
    Chicago Tribune 29 January vii. 71/2
    1993
    Frank Sinatra's voicing of "Mack The Knife" is ace hi on his greatest new album since who knows when.
    New York Times Book Review 18 April 15/2