English idiom

state of the art

Register · Neutral CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

using the most advanced and modern techniques or technology

Why this phrase?

Here 'art' has its older sense of skilled practice or technique; the phrase names the current highest state of that practice.

Example

“The hospital has a state-of-the-art operating theatre.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

cutting edge

the most advanced stage of development; state-of-the-art

bleeding edge

the very newest and most experimental technology, so new it may be unstable or unreliable

go the extra mile

To make more effort than is expected or required.

the icing on the cake

An extra good thing that makes a good situation even better.

break new ground

to do something that has never been done before; to pioneer

break the mould

to do something new and different that sets a new standard

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

markdown