be head and shoulders above sth/sb (be greatly superior to something else) — дать кому-л. сто очков вперед; за пояс заткнуть; ~ утереть нос; намного превосходить (по силе, качеству, др)
Example 2: This year’s new cell phones are head and shoulders above last year’s models.
--------
The idea of height, or a tall person, is used to symbolize a higher status.
see also
[streets ahead of sb]
[run circles around sb]
[knock spots off sth]
[can't hold a candle to sb]
[give one a run for one's money] 2
[not a patch on sb]
[во много раз лучше]