10 English Idioms About Success
One of the biggest challenges I faced in my early years as an English learner was understanding the meaning of thousands of different idioms. It drove me mad!
But here's the thing, being a fluent English speaker isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary. It’s about feeling comfortable using idioms naturally in conversations.
In this post, I’ll share 10 powerful and popular idioms about success. Ones that native speakers use all the time.
So, let’s get the ball rolling!
"Break the ice"
Meaning: To initiate a conversation in a social setting.
Example: "At the networking event, I told a joke to break the ice."
Tip: Use this when talking about making people feel comfortable.
"Burning the midnight oil"
Meaning: Working late into the night to achieve something.
Example: "She was burning the midnight oil to finish her presentation on time."
Tip: This is perfect for conversations about dedication and hard work.
"The sky’s the limit"
Meaning: There’s no limit to what you can achieve.
Example: "With your talent, the sky’s the limit!"
Tip: Great for inspiring or encouraging someone.
"Hit the jackpot"
Meaning: To achieve great success or profit unexpectedly.
Example: "He hit the jackpot when his startup was acquired for millions."
Tip: Use this for moments of unexpected or financial success.
"Go the extra mile"
Meaning: To make extra effort to achieve a goal.
Example: "If you want to succeed in this job, you need to go the extra mile."
Tip: Ideal for discussing hard work and determination.
"Reach for the stars"
Meaning: To aim for a very high or ambitious goal.
Example: "Her parents always encouraged her to reach for the stars."
Tip: Use this for motivating someone to pursue their dreams.
"Make a name for yourself"
Meaning: To become well-known or respected in a specific field.
Example: "He made a name for himself as a brilliant scientist."
Tip: Use this in conversations about reputation and success.
"The ball is in your court"
Meaning: It’s your decision or responsibility to take action.
Example: "They’ve given you the job offer. Now the ball is in your court."
Tip: Perfect for discussions about taking responsibility for success.
"On cloud nine"
Meaning: Extremely happy and successful.
Example: "After getting the promotion, she’s been on cloud nine all week."
Tip: Use this to describe the emotional side of success.
"Pull out all the stops"
Meaning: To use all available resources and effort to achieve something.
Example: "They pulled out all the stops to make the event a success."
Tip: This idiom is great for emphasizing maximum effort.
Idioms bring life to your English and make you sound more fluent. Which one of these idioms about success is your favourite? Let me know in the comments! And remember, success is just a conversation away—so practice these and shine in your next discussion.