in the top flight

in the top flight

At the top level or rank of a larger group or set. Used especially in reference to football (soccer). Primarily heard in UK. The underdog team is trying to secure their fourth consecutive win in the top flight, in what has been one of the most remarkable seasons for a team in recent memory.
See also: flight, top
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

in the first/top ˈflight

among the best of a particular group: Everybody hopes that the new manager will be able to keep the team in the top flight next year.
See also: first, flight, top
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • in the first/top flight
  • meet (one's) Waterloo
  • meet one's Waterloo
  • meet Waterloo
  • meet your Waterloo
  • Waterloo
  • ranking
  • rank above
  • rank above (someone or something)
  • rank below (someone or something)
References in periodicals archive
Norton: Captain - Marc Symington Professionals - None Ins - Mark Davies (Wolviston), Gary Burgum (Middlesbrough), Matt Wilkinson (Great Ayton) Outs - Lee Dalby (University commitments) Prospects - happy to have survived their first season back in the top flight, mid-table security is the clear aim of the only club not to employ 'pros.' .' Having said that former Durham and Kent star Davies is said to be fully fit again, and having returned to the club where he played junior cricket his bowling skills in particular will tie up a few opponents.
League's top Yorkies will have a chance to head for Abu Dhabi
VERDICT: Tough first season back in the top flight in 2012 but will be better for the experience and Brown's capture should ensure no wooden spoon repeat.
DAVID BURKE'S CLUB-BY-CLUB GUIDE TO THE NEW SEASON
Like most Hawthorns regulars I'm disappointed to see the team once again failing to establish itself in the top flight, but I'm delighted at how my fellow fans are standing by their man (pictured).
The Stirrer: Fans stand by their man
Davies, Diouf, Ivan Campo, Kevin Nolan and Tal Ben Haim have all been red-carded in the top flight this season.
Pros and Cons
Keegan made an astute signing in Schmeichel for his first season back in the top flight, saving himself a fortune into the bargain, but time is catching up with the former Old Trafford legend.
FOOTBALL: Keeper is top of wish list for Keegan
EVERTON are likely to have new signings Richard Wright, Li Tie and Brazilian Juliano Rodrigo making their debuts when the club mark their 100th season in the top flight at home to Tottenham.
Premiership Preview: Everton
The pressure on Walter Smith has been growing after a string of poor results threatened the club's Premiership status, after 48 years in the top flight.
SMITH GOES; Everton boss pays price for club's plight
ODDS: 80/1 PREDICTION: 9th WIDNES VIKINGS COACH: Denis Betts STAR MAN: Kevin Brown INS: Kevin Brown, Phil Joseph, Stefan Marsh, Joe Mellor VERDICT: Tough first season back in the top flight in 2012 but will be better for the experience and Brown's capture should ensure no wooden spoon repeat.
DAVID BURKE'S CLUB-BY-CLUB GUIDE TO THE NEW SEASONASON
Chris Read will have points to prove to many, and if he can help to keep Nottinghamshire comfortably back in the top flight of the championship it will not be a bad start.
The lowdown: Liverpool Victoria County Championship Division One 2008; County cricket
Harps have done well to remain in the top flight over the past four seasons, but maybe their luck has run out.
[1] FOOTBALL: FACTS AND FIGURES ON ALL THE CONTENDERS
Stoke may have been forced to play percentage football when they first arrived in the top flight, but they are much better than they get credit for.
Pulis gets blame for winning!
"The players dug deep and fought through and we managed to stay in the top flight and now we want to build on that.
Football: IRELAND WON'T BE A FAL GUY