Success Idioms

Page 2 of 4

foot in the door

Meaning: succeed with a first step.

Example: Mary was so excited to get her foot in the door with her new internship. Read more ➺


blood, sweat, and tears

Meaning: putting a lot of effort to get a task done.

Example: He has put in nothing but blood, sweat, and tears into this company. Read more ➺


know which side one’s bread is buttered

Meaning: to be cognizant of where one's interests lie in a given situation.

Example: He tries to come across as a neutral party, but he is very aware of which side his bread is buttered on. Read more ➺


the brains behind

Meaning: used to refer to the person who originally invented a particular scheme, plan or idea

Example: Gladys was the brains behind the successful birthday party that left all the children smiling on their way back home. Read more ➺


big gun

Meaning: a very powerful individual

Example: He is a big gun at the law firm; he has never lost a single court case. Read more ➺


on the cards

Meaning: Something very likely to happen, occur or take place.

Example: A promotion is in the cards for him. Read more ➺


stand a chance

Meaning: to have a possibility of succeeding, even if a remote one

Example: Do you believe that you stand a chance of getting that job? Read more ➺


by hook or by crook

Meaning: by any possible means

Example: The farmer will not sell us the land. By hook or by crook, he is hanging on to it. Read more ➺


jump on the bandwagon

Meaning: to start doing something because it is fashionable or profitable

Example: The whole town was quick to jump on the bandwagon when people began to realize the home team would win the championship. Read more ➺


king of the hill

Meaning: be the undisputed champion

Example: He made £3 million before he was 30, so he is the king of the hill in this industry. Read more ➺


Share
Share