Highfliers

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Individuals or entities that achieve great success or prominence, often in a specific field or profession
2. Those who excel far beyond the average, attaining remarkable milestones and recognition
3. People or organizations that reach notable heights in achievement and influence, standing out from their peers

Etymology: "Highfliers" is the plural of "highflier," a compound of "high" and "flier," the agent noun from "fly." Its literal sense is something that flies high, and the figurative use for people who rise far above their peers follows naturally from that picture of soaring upward. Because the word is built directly from two familiar English parts, its history is plain: there is no borrowed root or hidden original sense to uncover, and the metaphor of ascent has carried it from birds and kites to ambitious individuals and organisations.

Synonyms: achievers, overachievers