ace

1. mod. [of persons] best; top-rated.

□ She is an ace reporter with the newspaper.

□ Frank is an ace swimmer.

2. n. one dollar.

□ Give me an ace. I have to get some telephone change.

□ It only costs an ace. Buy two.

3. tv. to pass a test easily, with an A grade. (See also ace out.)

□ Man, I really aced that test.

□ I knew I wouldn’t ace it, but I never thought I’d flunk it!

4. n. <a nickname for a foolish and ineffectual person.> (Sarcastic. Usually a term of address.)

□ Hey, ace, hand me that monkey wrench—if you know what one is.

□ Look, ace, you can’t expect to fix an engine without getting dirty.

5. tv. to surpass someone or something; to beat someone or something; to ace someone out.

□ The Japanese firm aced the Americans by getting the device onto the shelves first.

□ Fred aced Tom in the contest for the best beard.