Punch Above One's Weight Meaning

(idiomatic) To achieve or perform at a higher level than would be expected based on one's preparation, attributes, rank, or past accomplishments.

Example: 2008 Dec. 11, David Charter, "Ireland takes a gamble on new Lisbon vote," Times Online (UK) (retrieved 23 Dec 2009):
  Ireland's current commissioner, Charlie McCreevy, is such a high-profile and outspoken figure who punches above his weight in Brussels in the important role of internal market commissioner.
2011 January 29, Chris Bevan, “Torquay 0 - 1 Crawley Town”[1], BBC:
  Having spent more than £500,000 on players last summer, Crawley can hardly be classed as minnows but they have still punched way above their weight and this kind of performance means no-one will relish pulling them out of the hat in Sunday's draw.