Here are some useful English expressions about success. Success is what everybody wants and what everyone is trying to achieve.
I also include a note for you as to how to use English expressions connected to achieving success correctly.
Scroll down to watch a video lesson and learn the meaning of ‘It’s in the bag’ expression.
To complete your English vocabulary on the topic of ‘success’, I would also recommend learning How To Talk About Winning In English.
speak better English with Harry - Episode 234
List of idioms about success
Harry
English Expressions About Success
dress for success
When we want to succeed we are always advised to prepare. If you are well prepared you have a better opportunity of succeeding. Some of that preparation is also about your appearance. So dress for success is part of the process, part of the preparation to achieve your goals and create a good first impression. For example, it is in a certain way, you have better chances to succeed in your job interview.
Example:
Charles was the perfect candidate. He’s done his homework about the company and was dressed for success in a suit and tie.
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in it to win it
This English phrase can refer to any part of our lives. It can apply equally to business and sport. Most people who play sport seriously never like losing and will always tell you they are in it to win it. It is like a mantra (their mission statement).
So any time we are attempting to succeed in a business venture or in a sporting activity we really want to win and one (not the only reason) reason to get involved is to try and win. Participating is important but winning is a good measure of our success.
I AM IN TO WIN IT…
This may well be a common phrase used by candidates in a political election.
Expand your English vocabulary even more and learn English collocations with the word ‘SUCCESS’. This post will help you – English collocations with success.
English Expressions About Success
key to success
For anything to be successful there is a need for an important trigger, a critical ingredient that will help you to achieve your goals.
For example, if you are launching a new product you need to have done plenty of research to ensure your product is providing something different or something that has never been available before. Finding that special ingredient will be your key to success.
Example:
The team were very good and were always near the top of the league. The key to their success when they actually won the league was the signing of a great striker who scored 25 goals in their winning season.
a howling success
When you do actually achieve your goals and when you do win that contract or launch that great product you will really want to maximise the gains and demonstrate that your business is or will be a howling success.
A howling success is something a little bit unexpected, something that soars and takes off with record sales. The launch of the Apple™ mobile phones is always a howling success with queues outside stores waiting days to get their hands on the latest model.
English Expressions About Success
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it’s in the bag
When we spend hours, days and weeks planning and plotting our way through a detailed marketing campaign to achieve success we finally reach a point when we can say we have succeeded. In this situation we can use the expression it’s in the bag, it’s a done deal. We’re certain that this is going to happen.
Example:
– What about that new contract we pitched for? Any news?
-Yes, we got the green light (successful call) today, it’s in the bag!
It's in the Bag - English Idiom Meaning
it's in the bag - English video lesson
to be on a shortlist
Be named in a list (chosen from a larger group) to be considered for a prize or a job.
Example:
I got an email a few days ago stating that I was on a shortlist for further consideration for a position that I really want.
to be nominated
Be officially suggested as a possible prize winner (or candidate for an important job).
Example:
Saoirse Ronan has been nominated in the Best Actress category for the 2018 Academy Awards.
English Expressions About Success
be a runner up
Come in second place in a competition, race, etc.
Example:
She was a runner up for four years but kept reaching for the top.
be on the winning team
Be part of a group that wins a game, competition, race, etc.
Example:
Congratulations to Amy Smith who was on the winning team at the School Grande Regional Competition on 23rd May!
get an ‘a’
Get the highest grade for an exam, piece of academic work, etc.
Example:
For my GCSE, I got an A in Science.
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More Information
For more information on English Expressions, English Phrasal Verbs and English Grammar Tenses Rules, check out the links below:
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