second to none meaning: definition, quotations

second to none

adj

As good as the best, as in quality or reputation; inferior to no one else or to nothing else of the same kind.

Second Merchant: How is the man esteemed here in the city? Angelo: Of very reverend reputation, sir, Of credit infinite, highly beloved, Second to none that lives here in the city.c. 1594 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Comedie of Errors”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act V, scene i], page 96, column 2:
“[I]f I, in the performance of my work, have been second to none, do you see that you in yours may be equally efficient?”1877, Anthony Trollope, chapter 11, in The Life of Cicero:

4 more examples

The NanShan, he affirmed, was second to none as a sea-boat.1902 January–March, Joseph Conrad, “Typhoon”, in George R. Halkett, editor, The Pall Mall Magazine, volume XXVI, London: Printed by Hazell, Watson & Viney, →OCLC, chapter 1:
Such equipment demands first-class design and manufacturing skills, a good deal of experience and quality of materials second to none, and cannot be inexpensive.1962 July, “B.R. signalling—Means to simplification and improvement”, in Modern Railways, page 50:
The righteous way to go / Little one would know / Or believe if I told them so / You're second to none1970, “The Makings of You”, in Curtis, performed by Curtis Mayfield:
The Afghans have been second to none at small-war tactics ever since they fought the British in the 19th century.2001 October 1, Yuri Zarakhovich, Alexander Lyakhovski, “A Tough Fight”, in Time:

noun

Capitalized, Slang, Sometimes Heroin.

The heroin, which police officials said had been measured at purity levels as high as 80 percent, is being sold under brand names like Unforgettable, Second to None, Black Beauty and Al Capone.1992 July 30, “Powerful Heroin Kills 20”, in New York Times, retrieved 24 Jun 2011: