expression, noun
a head (taller/shorter); by a head
Used to describe a physical height difference roughly equal to the length of a head. Often appears with 高い/低い or 抜きん出る.
彼はクラスメートより頭一つ高い。
He is a head taller than his classmates.
その選手は群衆の中で頭一つ抜きん出て
The player stood a head above the crowd.
expression, noun
noticeable difference; cut above
Figurative use for a clear gap in ability, performance, or results, as if one competitor stands a head above the rest. Common in sports and competition contexts.
彼の実力は他の選手より頭一つ抜けている。
His ability is a cut above the other players.
このチームはリーグで頭一つリードしている。
This team leads the league by a noticeable margin.