Table of Contents
Introduction
Success is often described through various idiomatic expressions that capture the essence of achieving goals, overcoming obstacles, and realizing one’s potential. Here’s a comprehensive list of idioms about success, along with their definitions and examples.
What are Idioms?
Idioms are expressions or phrases that have figurative meanings different from their literal interpretations. They often convey cultural or contextual nuances and are commonly used in everyday language to add depth or imagery to communication. Idioms are a colorful aspect of language and can be challenging for non-native speakers to understand due to their non-literal nature.
Moving forward, we are going to provide 34 idioms about success that will help readers improve their communication skills.
34 Idioms About Success
Enhance your lexicon with the selection of 34 idioms about success. These idiomatic expressions encapsulate the essence of triumph, achievement, and advancement in various spheres of life.
Each idiom offers a unique insight into the dynamics of success, providing valuable linguistic tools to enrich your communication skills and deepen your understanding of this multifaceted concept.
Here is the list of 34 Idioms About Success
1. Hit the Jackpot
Definition: To achieve great success or obtain a significant gain, often unexpectedly.
Example:
- “She hit the jackpot when her startup was acquired by a major company for millions of dollars.”
- “Winning the lottery felt like hitting the jackpot; it was a life-changing moment.”
2. Make a Killing
Definition: To make a large amount of money, especially in a short period or through a single transaction.
Example:
- “Investing in real estate allowed him to make a killing within just a few years.”
- “He made a killing by selling his stock options just before the market crashed.”
3. Strike Gold
Definition: To find or discover something valuable or successful.
Example:
- “The author struck gold with her first novel, which became a bestseller overnight.”
- After years of searching, they finally struck gold with their innovative new product.”
4. Be on Top of the World
Definition: To feel extremely happy and successful.
Example:
- “After winning the championship, the team was on top of the world.”
- “When she received the prestigious award, she felt like she was on top of the world.”
5. Reach the Pinnacle
Definition: To achieve the highest point of success or excellence in a particular field.
Example:
- “After years of hard work, he finally reached the pinnacle of his career as CEO of a multinational corporation.”
- “Winning the Nobel Prize is the pinnacle of achievement for many scientists.”
6. Be a Big Fish in a Small Pond
Definition: To be the most important or successful person in a small group or community.
Example:
- “He decided to leave his small hometown and pursue bigger opportunities in the city where he wouldn’t just be a big fish in a small pond.”
- “In his small town, he was a big fish in a small pond, but he wanted to challenge himself in a bigger environment.”
7. Be in Seventh Heaven
Definition: To experience extreme happiness or satisfaction due to success or good fortune.
Example:
- “Winning the competition left her in seventh heaven for weeks.”
- “After receiving the scholarship, he was in seventh heaven knowing that he could afford to attend college.”
8. Be on Cloud Nine
Definition: To be extremely happy or elated, often due to success or good news.
Example:
- “After receiving a promotion at work, he was on cloud nine for days.”
- “She was on cloud nine after hearing that she had been accepted into her dream university.”
9. Have the World at One’s Feet
Definition: To be extremely successful and have many opportunities available.
Example:
- “With her impressive qualifications and experience, she had the world at her feet.”
- “As the CEO of a successful company, he felt like he had the world at his feet.”
10. Rise to the Occasion
Definition: To meet the challenge or demand of a situation successfully.
Example:
- “Despite the pressure, she rose to the occasion and delivered an outstanding presentation.”
- “In times of crisis, true leaders rise to the occasion and inspire others to do the same.”
11. Be a High Flyer
Definition: To be someone who is very successful and ambitious, especially in business or career.
Example: “
- Ever since she started her own company, she’s been a high flyer in the industry.”
- “He was always a high flyer in school, excelling in academics and extracurricular activities.”
12. Be in the Driver’s Seat
Definition: To be in control of a situation or activity.
Example:
- “With his extensive experience and knowledge, he’s in the driver’s seat when it comes to making important decisions.”
- “As the team captain, she was in the driver’s seat during the championship game.”
13. Make Waves
Definition: To cause a significant impact or effect, especially by initiating change or innovation.
Example:
- “Her groundbreaking research made waves in the scientific community.”
- “The new CEO made waves by implementing bold strategies to turn the company around.”
14. Turn the Tide
Definition: To cause a significant change in a situation, especially from a negative to a positive outcome.
Example:
- “His leadership skills helped turn the tide for the struggling company, leading it to profitability.”
- “The discovery of a new treatment turned the tide in the battle against the disease.”
15. Climb the Ladder
Definition: To advance or progress in one’s career or social status, usually through successive stages or levels.
Example:
- “She’s been climbing the corporate ladder steadily, and now she’s a senior executive.”
- “Hard work and dedication are essential if you want to climb the ladder of success.”
16. Rags To Riches
Definition: “Rags to riches” Describes a journey from poverty or obscurity to wealth or success. “To go from rags to riches” means to move from a state of poverty or obscurity to one of wealth or prominence.
Example:
- “His inspiring rags-to-riches story, from growing up in a small town to becoming a billionaire entrepreneur, inspired millions.”
- “The movie tells the classic rags-to-riches tale of a young woman who overcomes adversity to achieve her dreams.”
- Through hard work and determination, he went from rags to riches and became a successful entrepreneur.
17. Seal the Deal
Definition: To finalize or complete a business agreement or transaction successfully.
Example:
- “After months of negotiations, they finally sealed the deal with a handshake.”
- “His persuasive skills helped seal the deal, and the clients signed the contract on the spot.”
18. Have the Midas Touch
Definition: To have a talent for making money or achieving success in everything one does.
Example:
- “Everything he invests in seems to turn to gold; he truly has the Midas touch.”
- “She has the Midas touch when it comes to startups, turning them into successful businesses.”
19. Break New Ground
Definition: To do something innovative or pioneering that creates a new precedent or sets a new standard.
Example:
- “Their research broke new ground in the field of renewable energy.”
- “The company’s revolutionary product design broke new ground in the industry.”
20. Strike it Rich
Definition: To become suddenly and unexpectedly wealthy.
Example:
- “He struck it rich when he invested in that startup before it went public.”
- “Winning the lottery allowed them to strike it rich and live a life of luxury.”
21. It’s In The Bag
Definition: Something is certain or guaranteed to be successful; victory is assured.
Example:
- “With their star player back in the lineup, the team felt confident that the championship was in the bag.”
- “After acing all his exams, he knew that graduating with honors was in the bag.”
22. Beat the Odds
Definition: To succeed despite facing unfavorable or difficult circumstances.
Example:
- “Despite growing up in a rough neighborhood, she beat the odds and became a successful lawyer.”
- “He beat the odds by recovering from a serious injury and returning to professional sports.”
23. Make a Breakthrough
Definition: To achieve a significant discovery or development, especially after a period of difficulty or stagnation.
Example:
- “Their team made a breakthrough in cancer research, offering hope to millions of patients.”
- “After years of experimentation, they finally made a breakthrough in renewable energy technology.”
24. Be the Cream of the Crop
Definition: To be the best or most successful among a group of people or things.
Example:
- “With her impressive skills and experience, she’s considered the cream of the crop in her field.”
- “The top universities only accept the cream of the crop, so competition is fierce.”
25. Win Hands Down
Definition: To win easily and decisively, often with little effort.
Example:
- “With his extensive training, he won the competition hands down.”
- “She won the debate hands down, leaving her opponents speechless.”
26. Be a Runaway Success
Definition: To be extremely successful, often surpassing expectations.
Example:
- “Their new product became a runaway success, selling out within hours of its release.”
- “The movie was a runaway success, breaking box office records around the world.”
27. Make a Mark
Definition: To have a significant impact or impression on something or someone.
Example:
- “His innovative ideas made a mark on the industry and changed the way people approached business.”
- “She made a mark with her charity work, improving the lives of countless people.”
28. Have a Stroke of Luck
Definition: To experience a sudden and unexpected piece of good fortune.
Example:
- “Winning the lottery was just a stroke of luck; he hadn’t expected to win at all.”
- “Finding a valuable antique at the garage sale was a stroke of luck for her.”
29. Have the Last Laugh
Definition: To ultimately succeed or prevail despite initial setbacks or challenges, often to the surprise or dismay of others.
Example:
- “Despite facing criticism early in his career, he had the last laugh when he became one of the most respected figures in the industry.”
- “She had the last laugh when her critics were proven wrong, and her business became a huge success.
30. Bear Fruit
Definition: To yield successful results or outcomes.
Example:
- “After years of hard work, his investment finally began to bear fruit, generating substantial profits.”
- “The marketing campaign bore fruit, increasing the company’s sales by 30%.”
31. Burn One’s Boats
Definition: To commit fully to a course of action, leaving no opportunity for retreat.
Example:
- “She burned her boats by quitting her job to start her own business, determined to succeed no matter what.”
- “By investing all his savings into the project, he effectively burned his boats and had to make it work.”
32. Escape The Rat Race
Definition: To leave a stressful, competitive, or routine work environment in pursuit of a more fulfilling lifestyle or career.
Example:
- “After years of working long hours in the corporate world, she decided to escape the rat race and pursue her passion for photography.”
- “Many people dream of escaping the rat race by retiring early and traveling the world.”
33. Every Dog Has Its Day
Definition: Everyone experiences success or good fortune at some point in their lives.
Example:
- “Even though he struggled for years, he always believed that every dog has its day, and eventually, his hard work paid off.”
- “She remained optimistic during difficult times, reminding herself that every dog has its day and her time would come.”
34. Hit A Home Run
Definition: To achieve a highly successful outcome; to accomplish something with great success.
Example:
- “The company’s new product hit a home run in the market, exceeding sales projections within the first month.”
- “She hit a home run with her presentation, impressing the entire board and securing the project funding.”
Conclusion
Success is often the culmination of hard work, determination, and a bit of luck. The above 34 idioms about success reflect the various facets and nuances of achieving success in different aspects of life. Whether it’s overcoming challenges, seizing opportunities, or acknowledging the efforts of others, these idioms serve as reminders of the multifaceted nature of success.
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