punch below one's weight

English

Alternative forms

• hit below one's weight

Etymology

An allusion to the sport of boxing, where contenders fight in various weight classes.

Pronunciation

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Verb

punch below one's weight (third-person singular simple present punches below one's weight, present participle punching below one's weight, simple past and past participle punched below one's weight)

1. (idiomatic) To achieve or perform at a level lower than should be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments.
   • 2001 Sept. 29, "For men who should know better," Telegraph (UK) (retrieved 23 Dec. 2009):

     But the overall effect is flimsy and insubstantial, a gifted writer punching well below his weight.

Synonyms

• underachieve

Antonyms

• overachieve, punch above one's weight