The Expression: "It's up there".

[Bullet Sniper]

Whenever I like to casually spring up a nice little chat with someone about who or what is the best person, work, or thing of all time, I try to state that my most favorite is the best one of them and the other person denies or disagrees with me that it's the best one of all time, but he also adds that "but it's up there".

What do you guys think it means when someone says that something isn't the best, but "it's up there".

What does "it's up there" mean exactly?

[WillieMorgan]

Well, it means that who or whatever it is that you're referring to is high up on a metaphorical list.

The Canadian rock group Rush are my third favourite group of all time. I don't rank them as high as either Led Zeppelin or Yes but I still rate them extremely highly, Hence, they are 'up there'.

It's an allusion to greatness and loftiness.

[Bullet Sniper]

Well, it means that who or whatever it is that you're referring to is high up on a metaphorical list.

The Canadian rock group Rush are my third favourite group of all time. I don't rank them as high as either Led Zeppelin or Yes but I still rate them extremely highly, Hence, they are 'up there'.

It's an allusion to greatness and loftiness.

Thanks for the answer, but I was specifically wondering if "it's up there" means that "it's not the absolute best, but it's pretty damn close." or that "it's only one of the best, not THE best".

[WillieMorgan]

Thanks for the answer, but I was specifically wondering if "it's up there" means that "it's not the absolute best, but it's pretty damn close." or that "it's only one of the best, not THE best".

Ah right, okay then. From the two examples you've given there I'd be tempted to opt for the first one.

Best is always a subjective term so I'd describe it as 'Not my personal favourite but very close to it'.

[Bullet Sniper]

Ah right, okay then. From the two examples you've given there I'd be tempted to opt for the first one.

Best is always a subjective term so I'd describe it as 'Not my personal favourite but very close to it'.

Ahh... thanks for the clarification.

[The Darknight Detective]

Ah right, okay then. From the two examples you've given there I'd be tempted to opt for the first one.

Best is always a subjective term so I'd describe it as 'Not my personal favourite but very close to it'.

Right. Not numero uno, but definitely on the short list.

[Ladytae]

Whenever I like to casually spring up a nice little chat with someone about who or what is the best person, work, or thing of all time, I try to state that my most favorite is the best one of them and the other person denies or disagrees with me that it's the best one of all time, but he also adds that "but it's up there".

What do you guys think it means when someone says that something isn't the best, but "it's up there".

What does "it's up there" mean exactly?

I believe I have the answer. So sometimes if I’m in a disagreement or a misunderstanding just occurred and we came to some resolve (or didn’t) I’d say “it’s up there”. In the sense of a simple disagreement, like yours, it would basically mean agreeing to disagree. No arguing or “it is what it is”. If I’m having a misunderstanding with a friend and I’m just either looking to drop the subject or we come to some understanding (and it’s like “don’t worry about it”) I’ll use “it’s up there”. Hope that makes sense.