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Quite commonly used in India, the phrase "the best out of bests" is claimed to denote that you get something that is unmatched and of above-all quality. However, I avoid using this most of the times. But then...

Is the phrase 'The best out of bests' correct and accepted in English?

If that is correct, how does the word 'bests' function there? An adverb or a noun?

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    It seems to be a mangling, misunderstanding of the best of the best.
    – Tristan
    Feb 3, 2014 at 14:00
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    A related idiom is cream of the crop.
    – J.R.
    Feb 3, 2014 at 22:52
  • @J.R. That reminds me of crème de la crème, which I found in a movie I've watched. Thanks for the comment, which brings back good memories! Apr 16, 2015 at 12:07

1 Answer 1

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The more common form would be

The best of the best.

Where the second best denotes the collection of best [items], the first best denotes the best one in that collection.

I would not dare to claim that "the best out of the bests" is incorrect, but I would assume it is localized Indian English.

If we accept it as correct, "best" is a noun, denoting exactly the same object as in "best of the best": the best [item] among the collection of best [items].

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