100 Plus Idioms for Success With Example

Idioms for Success

Idioms are the spice of the English language, adding color and depth to our conversations and writing. For those seeking success, mastering idioms related to achievement and accomplishment is particularly valuable. This article explores a range of idioms associated with success, providing definitions, examples, and practice exercises. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or simply an English language enthusiast, understanding these idioms will enhance your communication skills and help you navigate the nuances of the English language with greater confidence.

By delving into the meanings and usage of these idioms, learners can not only improve their comprehension of spoken and written English but also gain a better understanding of the cultural contexts in which these expressions are commonly used. This knowledge is crucial for effective communication and can significantly contribute to personal and professional success.

Table of Contents

Definition of Idioms for Success

An idiom is a phrase or expression whose meaning cannot be understood from the literal meanings of its individual words. Instead, the phrase functions as a unit with a unique, figurative meaning. Idioms related to success are phrases that describe achieving goals, overcoming challenges, and attaining desired outcomes. These idioms often reflect cultural values and beliefs about what constitutes success and how it is achieved.

Understanding idioms is essential for comprehending native English speakers and for expressing oneself more naturally and effectively. Idioms for success specifically help convey nuanced meanings related to ambition, effort, achievement, and the various factors that contribute to a successful outcome. They add color and depth to communication, making it more engaging and relatable.

Structural Breakdown

Idioms, by their nature, defy straightforward structural analysis. Their meanings are not derived from the sum of their parts. However, recognizing common patterns and structures within idioms can aid in understanding and remembering them.

Many idioms for success involve metaphors, similes, or analogies. For example, “to hit the nail on the head” uses the image of accurately striking a nail to represent accurately identifying or solving a problem. Similarly, “to go the extra mile” employs the concept of exceeding expectations to describe putting in extra effort.

The structure of an idiom often dictates how it can be used grammatically. Some idioms function as verbs (e.g., “to climb the ladder”), while others act as nouns (e.g., “a recipe for success”). Understanding the grammatical function of an idiom is crucial for using it correctly in a sentence. Furthermore, some idioms are fixed phrases, meaning their wording cannot be altered, while others allow for some flexibility.

Types and Categories of Success Idioms

Idioms for success can be categorized based on the specific aspects of success they relate to. Here are several categories:

Effort and Hard Work

These idioms describe the dedication and perseverance required to achieve success. Examples include “to burn the midnight oil” (to work late into the night), “to go the extra mile” (to do more than what is expected), and “to keep your nose to the grindstone” (to work diligently and continuously).

Opportunity and Timing

This category focuses on recognizing and seizing opportunities at the right moment. Examples include “to strike while the iron is hot” (to take advantage of an opportunity immediately), “to be in the right place at the right time” (to be present when an opportunity arises), and “to get your foot in the door” (to gain initial access to a field or organization).

Achievement and Reward

These idioms describe the outcomes of successful endeavors and the recognition or benefits that follow. Examples include “to reap the rewards” (to enjoy the benefits of one’s efforts), “to hit the jackpot” (to achieve a great success or win a large prize), and “to come out on top” (to be the winner or most successful).

Risk and Reward

These idioms highlight the balance between taking chances and achieving success. Examples include “nothing ventured, nothing gained” (you must take risks to achieve success), “to go out on a limb” (to take a risk), and “to play it safe” (to avoid risks).

General Success

These idioms provide a general description of success. Examples include “a recipe for success” (a set of necessary ingredients or actions that lead to success), “on the road to success” (making progress towards success), and “born with a silver spoon in their mouth” (born into wealth and privilege, often leading to easier success).

Examples of Idioms for Success

The following tables provide examples of idioms for success, categorized by their specific meaning.

General Success Idioms

This table presents idioms that broadly describe success, without focusing on a specific aspect like effort or opportunity.

Idiom Meaning Example Sentence
A recipe for success A set of necessary ingredients or actions that lead to success. Hard work, dedication, and a bit of luck are all part of the recipe for success.
On the road to success Making progress towards success. After years of hard work, she is finally on the road to success.
Born with a silver spoon in their mouth Born into wealth and privilege, often leading to easier success. He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, so he never had to struggle financially.
Strike gold To discover or achieve something very valuable or successful. The company struck gold with its new product line.
Make a name for yourself Become famous or respected for your achievements. She wants to make a name for herself in the world of fashion.
The sky’s the limit There is no limit to what you can achieve. With her talent and determination, the sky’s the limit.
Go places Be successful in the future. He’s a talented young man; he’s going to go places.
Have it made To be assured of success or financial security. Once he graduates with his degree, he’ll have it made.
Laughing all the way to the bank Making a lot of money easily. After that deal, he was laughing all the way to the bank.
A feather in one’s cap An achievement to be proud of. Winning the award was a real feather in her cap.
Hit the bullseye To achieve a goal perfectly. Their marketing campaign hit the bullseye, resulting in record sales.
Make headway To make progress. Despite the challenges, they are making headway on the project.
On the up and up Becoming more successful. Since the new management took over, the company has been on the up and up.
Come up roses To end successfully, despite initial problems. Despite the initial setbacks, the project came up roses in the end.
The cream of the crop The best of a group. Only the cream of the crop are selected for the elite training program.
At the top of your game Performing at your best. The athlete is at the top of his game, breaking records left and right.
Smooth sailing Easy progress without problems. After the initial hurdles, the rest of the project was smooth sailing.
In the bag Assured of success. With a significant lead, the victory is practically in the bag.
Home free Certain to succeed. Once the funding is secured, we’ll be home free.
The world is your oyster You have many opportunities available to you. After graduating from college, the world is your oyster.

Effort and Hard Work Idioms

This table focuses on idioms that emphasize the role of effort and hard work in achieving success.

Idiom Meaning Example Sentence
Burn the midnight oil To work late into the night. She had to burn the midnight oil to finish the project on time.
Go the extra mile To do more than what is expected. He always goes the extra mile for his clients.
Keep your nose to the grindstone To work diligently and continuously. If you want to succeed in this industry, you need to keep your nose to the grindstone.
Pull your weight To do your fair share of work. Everyone needs to pull their weight to make this project a success.
Sweat blood To work extremely hard. He sweated blood to get the company off the ground.
Work your fingers to the bone To work extremely hard. She worked her fingers to the bone to provide for her family.
Give it your all To put maximum effort into something. He gave it his all in the final competition.
Leave no stone unturned To try every possible course of action. We will leave no stone unturned in our search for a solution.
Go all out To put maximum effort into something. They went all out to make the event a success.
Plug away To continue working hard despite difficulties. He plugged away at the research, despite the setbacks.
Take the bull by the horns To confront a difficult situation directly and bravely. She decided to take the bull by the horns and address the issue head-on.
Toil away To work long and hard. The farmers toiled away in the fields from sunrise to sunset.
Climb the ladder To advance in a career or organization. He’s determined to climb the ladder and become a CEO.
Go the distance To persevere to the end. With hard work and determination, they were able to go the distance and achieve their goals.
Put your shoulder to the wheel To work hard and diligently. Everyone needs to put their shoulder to the wheel to get this project done on time.
Earn your stripes To gain experience and prove your abilities. He had to earn his stripes by working his way up from the bottom.
Pay your dues To endure hardship in order to achieve success. He had to pay his dues by working long hours for low pay early in his career.
Keep at it To continue working hard. Success doesn’t come easy, you have to keep at it.
Get stuck in To start doing something with enthusiasm and energy. She got stuck in with the new project and made significant progress.
Get down to business To start working seriously. Let’s get down to business and discuss the agenda.
Work like a dog To work extremely hard. She worked like a dog to get the company off the ground.

Opportunity and Timing Idioms

Here are idioms that relate to recognizing and seizing opportunities at the right time.

Idiom Meaning Example Sentence
Strike while the iron is hot To take advantage of an opportunity immediately. The market is favorable now, so we need to strike while the iron is hot.
Be in the right place at the right time To be present when an opportunity arises. He was in the right place at the right time when he met his future business partner.
Get your foot in the door To gain initial access to a field or organization. An internship is a great way to get your foot in the door.
Seize the day To make the most of the present moment. Stop procrastinating and seize the day!
Make hay while the sun shines To make the most of a favorable situation. Business is booming, so we should make hay while the sun shines.
A golden opportunity An excellent chance to do something. This is a golden opportunity to invest in the company.
Capitalize on To take advantage of something. They capitalized on the competitor’s mistake and gained market share.
Take the plunge To take a risk and commit to something. After careful consideration, she decided to take the plunge and start her own business.
Jump on the bandwagon To join a popular trend or activity. Many investors jumped on the bandwagon when the stock price started to rise.
A window of opportunity A short period of time in which an opportunity exists. The window of opportunity to apply for the grant is closing soon.
On the ball Alert and competent. He’s really on the ball and always anticipates potential problems.
Ahead of the curve Innovative and leading the way. The company is ahead of the curve in developing new technologies.
In the nick of time Just in time to prevent something bad from happening. They arrived in the nick of time to save the project from failure.
When opportunity knocks When a good opportunity presents itself. When opportunity knocks, you have to be ready to answer.
At the eleventh hour At the last possible moment. They submitted the proposal at the eleventh hour.
Make the most of To use something to its best advantage. She made the most of her networking opportunities at the conference.
Not miss a beat To continue smoothly without interruption. Even after the unexpected setback, the team did not miss a beat.
Right off the bat Immediately. They were successful right off the bat.
A foot in the door An initial opportunity to enter an organization or field. The internship gave her a foot in the door in the competitive industry.
Get a head start To start before others. Starting early can help you get a head start on the competition.

Achievement and Reward Idioms

This table contains idioms that describe the outcomes of successful endeavors and the rewards that follow.

Idiom Meaning Example Sentence
Reap the rewards To enjoy the benefits of one’s efforts. After years of hard work, they are finally reaping the rewards of their investments.
Hit the jackpot To achieve a great success or win a large prize. The company hit the jackpot with its new product.
Come out on top To be the winner or most successful. Despite the challenges, they came out on top in the end.
Bring home the bacon To earn a living or achieve success. He works hard to bring home the bacon for his family.
Taste of success A brief experience of success. The small victory gave him a taste of success and motivated him to work harder.
Sitting pretty In a comfortable and advantageous position. After the successful merger, the company was sitting pretty.
Go down a storm To be very successful and popular. The new product went down a storm with customers.
Be a roaring success To be extremely successful. The charity event was a roaring success, raising a lot of money.
Take off To become successful or popular very quickly. The singer’s career took off after her performance on the show.
Make it big To become very successful. He moved to the city hoping to make it big in the music industry.
On easy street Living comfortably without financial worries. After winning the lottery, they were on easy street.
Land on your feet To succeed after a difficult situation. Despite losing his job, he managed to land on his feet and find a new one quickly.
Get your act together To organize your life and start to succeed. He needed to get his act together if he wanted to pass his exams.
Hit pay dirt To discover or achieve something valuable or successful. The researchers hit pay dirt when they discovered the new drug.
Have the Midas touch To be successful in everything you do. Everything he invests in seems to succeed; he really has the Midas touch.
Live the dream To live a very enjoyable and successful life. After years of hard work, they are finally living the dream.
Rake it in To earn a lot of money. The company is raking it in with its new product.
Golden handshake A large sum of money given to someone when they leave a company. He received a generous golden handshake when he retired.
Run like clockwork To operate smoothly and efficiently. The project ran like clockwork from start to finish.
A shot in the arm Something that gives renewed energy or confidence. The new contract was a shot in the arm for the company.

Risk and Reward Idioms

This table covers idioms that deal with the relationship between taking risks and achieving success.

Idiom Meaning Example Sentence
Nothing ventured, nothing gained You must take risks to achieve success. I know it’s scary, but nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Go out on a limb To take a risk. He went out on a limb to support the project.
Play it safe To avoid risks. Sometimes it’s better to play it safe than to risk everything.
Take a gamble To take a risk with the hope of success. Investing in the stock market is always taking a gamble.
Roll the dice To take a chance. They decided to roll the dice and invest in the new venture.
Bet the farm To risk everything on one venture. He bet the farm on his new business idea.
Sink or swim To succeed or fail by your own efforts. The new employees were left to sink or swim in their new roles.
No pain, no gain Suffering is necessary to achieve success. No pain, no gain; you have to work hard to see results.
Walk a tightrope To be in a difficult or risky situation. The company is walking a tightrope as it tries to balance profits and environmental concerns.
Go for broke To risk everything in an attempt to succeed. They decided to go for broke and invest all their savings in the business.
Skate on thin ice To be in a risky situation. He’s skating on thin ice after missing so many deadlines.
Have a flutter To take a small risk, usually with money. He decided to have a flutter on the horse race.
Put all your eggs in one basket To risk everything on one thing. It’s not wise to put all your eggs in one basket.
Chance your arm To take a risk. He decided to chance his arm and apply for the job.
Sail close to the wind To take risks or behave in a way that is close to being unacceptable. The company was sailing close to the wind with its aggressive marketing tactics.
On a knife-edge In a situation where the outcome is uncertain. The election result was on a knife-edge.
Run the gauntlet To endure a series of difficulties or challenges. The project had to run the gauntlet of regulatory approvals.
Swim against the tide To go against the general opinion or trend. She decided to swim against the tide and start her own business despite the economic downturn.
Take a leap of faith To do something risky, trusting that it will succeed. Starting a new business requires you to take a leap of faith.
Plunge into the deep end To start something new and difficult without preparation. He plunged into the deep end by taking on the challenging project.

Usage Rules

Using idioms correctly requires understanding their specific meanings and grammatical functions. Here are some general rules and guidelines:

  • Context is key: The meaning of an idiom depends heavily on the context in which it is used. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to ensure that the idiom is appropriate.
  • Grammatical function: Be aware of whether the idiom functions as a verb, noun, adjective, or adverb, and use it accordingly.
  • Fixed phrases: Many idioms are fixed phrases and cannot be altered without changing their meaning or making them sound unnatural.
  • Audience Awareness: Consider your audience when using idioms. Some idioms may be unfamiliar to non-native speakers or to people from different cultural backgrounds.
  • Don’t overuse: While idioms can add color to your language, overusing them can make your writing or speech sound unnatural or forced.

It’s also important to note that some idioms may have regional variations or slightly different meanings in different dialects of English. Be aware of these variations and tailor your usage accordingly.

Common Mistakes

Here are some common mistakes that learners make when using idioms for success:

Incorrect Correct Explanation
She burned the midnight oil to achieve the success. She burned the midnight oil to be successful. “Burn the midnight oil” describes the effort, not the achievement itself.
He must strike when the metal is hot. He must strike while the iron is hot. The correct idiom is “strike while the iron is hot.”
They are reaping the benefit of their hard work. They are reaping the rewards of their hard work. The correct idiom is “reap the rewards.”
Nothing ventured, nothing winning. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. The correct idiom is “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.”

Another common mistake is taking idioms literally. Remember that idioms have figurative meanings that are different from the literal meanings of their individual words. Always consider the intended meaning of the idiom in context.

Practice Exercises

Test your understanding of idioms for success with these practice exercises.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Fill in the blanks with the appropriate idiom from the list below.

Idiom List: strike while the iron is hot, burn the midnight oil, go the extra mile, reap the rewards, get your foot in the door

Question Answer
1. If you want to succeed in this industry, you need to be prepared to _____. go the extra mile
2. The company decided to _____ and launch the new product immediately. strike while the iron is hot
3. After years of hard work, she is finally starting to _____. reap the rewards
4. Internships are a great way to _____. get your foot in the door
5. To finish the project on time, we had to _____. burn the midnight oil
6. They decided to _____, hoping to secure a major client. go the extra mile
7. The entrepreneurs knew they needed to _____ to capitalize on the market trend. strike while the iron is hot
8. After investing wisely, the family began to _____ and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle. reap the rewards
9. Volunteering at the local charity helped him _____ in the non-profit sector. get your foot in the door
10. To meet the deadline, the team had to _____ and work tirelessly through the night. burn the midnight oil

Exercise 2: Matching

Match the idiom with its correct meaning.

Idiom Meaning
1. A recipe for success a. To take advantage of an opportunity immediately
2. Strike while the iron is hot b. To be successful in the future
3. Go places c. To confront a difficult situation directly and bravely
4. Take the bull by the horns d. A set of necessary ingredients or actions that lead to success
5. Come out on top e. To be the winner or most successful
6. Nothing ventured, nothing gained f. You must take risks to achieve success

Answers: 1-d, 2-a, 3-b, 4-c, 5-e, 6-f

Exercise 3: Multiple Choice

Choose the correct idiom to complete the sentence.

Question Options Answer
1. If you want to be successful, you need to _____. a) keep your eyes to the grindstone b) keep your nose to the grindstone c) keep your ear to the grindstone b) keep your nose to the grindstone
2. He _____ to make sure the project was a success. a) went the extra mile b) went the extra inch c) went the extra foot a) went the extra mile
3. They _____ when their new product became a bestseller. a) hit the bullseye b) hit the jackpot c) hit the homerun b) hit the jackpot
4. She decided to _____ and launch her own company. a) take the plunge b) take the dive c) take the swim a) take the plunge
5. He is _____ and will likely become very successful. a) on the road to riches b) on the road to fortune c) on the road to success c) on the road to success

Advanced Topics

For advanced learners, consider exploring the following topics:

  • The historical origins of idioms: Understanding the historical context of idioms can provide deeper insight into their meanings and usage.
  • Regional variations in idiom usage: Explore how idioms differ across different dialects of English.
  • The use of idioms in literature and media: Analyze how idioms are used by writers and filmmakers to create vivid imagery and convey complex ideas.
  • Creating your own idioms: While it’s generally not advisable to invent entirely new idioms, understanding the principles of idiom formation can help you use existing idioms more creatively and effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about idioms for success:

  1. What is the best way to learn idioms?

    The best way to learn idioms is through exposure and practice. Read widely, listen to native English speakers, and actively try to use idioms in your own writing and speech. Flashcards and online resources can also be helpful.

  2. How can I avoid misusing idioms
    ?

    Pay close attention to the context in which you use idioms, and double-check their meanings if you are unsure. It’s also helpful to get feedback from native English speakers on your usage of idioms.

  3. Are there any idioms I should avoid using?

    Some idioms may be considered outdated, offensive, or inappropriate in certain contexts. Be mindful of your audience and the potential impact of your words. When in doubt, it’s best to err on the side of caution and avoid using idioms that you are unsure about.

  4. How important is it to use idioms correctly?

    Using idioms correctly demonstrates a strong command of the English language and can significantly enhance your communication skills. However, misusing idioms can lead to confusion or misinterpretation. Strive for accuracy, but don’t be afraid to experiment and learn from your mistakes.

  5. Can idioms be translated directly into other languages?

    No, idioms usually cannot be translated directly into other languages because their meanings are figurative and culturally specific. A direct translation would likely not make sense in the target language. Instead, you need to find an equivalent idiom in the other language that conveys a similar meaning.

  6. Are there any resources that can help me learn more idioms?

    Yes, there are many resources available, including online dictionaries, idiom dictionaries, textbooks, and language learning apps. You can also find idioms in literature, movies, and TV shows. Actively seeking out and studying these resources can greatly improve your understanding of idioms.

Conclusion

Mastering idioms for success is a valuable investment for anyone seeking to improve their English language skills and communicate more effectively. By understanding the meanings and usage of these colorful expressions, learners can enhance their comprehension, express themselves more naturally, and navigate the nuances of the English language with greater confidence. Whether you are striving for personal or professional success, a strong command of idioms will undoubtedly give you a competitive edge.

Continue to practice and expand your knowledge of idioms, and you will find that your communication skills become more polished, engaging, and effective. Embrace the richness and diversity of the English language, and let idioms be your guide on the road to success.

Jasper Langford
Jasper Langford
Articles: 53

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