頭あたま一ひとつ

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.

• 彼かれはクラスメートより頭あたま一ひとつ高たかい。

  He is a head taller than his classmates.

• その選せん手しゅは群ぐん衆しゅうの中なかで頭あたま一ひとつ抜ぬきん出でていた。

  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.

• 彼かれの実じつ力りょくは他ほかの選せん手しゅより頭あたま一ひとつ抜ぬけている。

  His ability is a cut above the other players.

• このチームはリーグで頭あたま一ひとつリードしている。

  This team leads the league by a noticeable margin.