Learning English is a journey with lots of different stages. Even for the most advanced English speaker, there will always be more to learn. But the end of the year is a time for looking back and celebrating your successes. So, here are seven English idioms for talking about success and achievement to help you celebrate your English learning successes: 

1. “To knock it out of the park”

This informal idiom comes from baseball. When a hitter knocked a ball out of the park, it guaranteed them a home run. People now use it allegorically to mean someone has achieved remarkable success or exceeded expectations. “Hit it out of the park” is another variation of this phrase. 

How to use it: “Your presentation at the conference was outstanding; you really knocked it out of the park.”

2. “To rise to the occasion”

The idiom “rise to the occasion” means to perform exceptionally well or effectively in a challenging or demanding situation. When someone “rises to the occasion,” they show competence and determination in handling pressure, adversity, or difficult tasks. It implies that the individual surpasses their usual performance or expectations when faced with a particular challenge or responsibility. So, people often use this idiom to praise someone’s ability to excel in difficult circumstances.

How to use it: “I felt really nervous about speaking English in front of a big group, but I found that I was able to rise to the occasion and communicate what I wanted to say.”

3. “To put your best foot forward”

The idiom “to put your best foot forward” means to make a favorable impression or to give your utmost effort when starting something or dealing with a situation. It implies that you are presenting your most positive and capable self in a particular context. Putting your best foot forward means approaching tasks or opportunities with enthusiasm and commitment to excel at their best. It often suggests that by doing so, you are more likely to achieve success or gain a favorable outcome.

How to use it: “Before the job interview I practiced some interview questions with ELSA AI, so I was able to put my best foot forward and speak confidently in English about my skills and qualifications.”

4. “Another string to your bow”

The idiom “another string to your bow” means having an additional skill, talent, or ability that can be used to your advantage or provide you with more opportunities. It originates from the idea of a bow used in archery, where having an extra string would mean that an archer could continue to fire arrows even if their initial bowstring broke. In a broader sense, it implies that having diverse skills or resources can enhance your versatility and increase your potential for success in various areas of life or work.

How to use it: “Learning a new language is another string to your bow and can open up new career possibilities.”

5. “To turn a corner”

The idiom “to turn a corner” means to make significant progress or experience a positive change in a situation, often after a period of difficulty, stagnation, or adversity. It suggests moving from a challenging phase and heading toward a more favorable or improved one. It’s like overcoming an obstacle and finally seeing positive developments or better days ahead. People often use this idiom to describe transformations when things start to get better after a period of setbacks.

How to use it: “I really felt like I turned a corner in my English skills once I started practicing with the ELSA AI tutor. Having someone to give me instant feedback 24/7 has made a huge difference to my language abilities.”

6. “To pass with flying colors”

The idiom “to pass with flying colors” means to excel in a test, exam, or any endeavor, typically by achieving a very high or outstanding score or result. When someone “passes with flying colors,” it indicates that they not only met the requirements but exceeded them significantly, often demonstrating exceptional knowledge or skill in the subject or activity being tested.

Believed to be nautical in origin, referring to ships flying their colors (flags) as a sign of victory or success. Passing with “flying colors” originally referred to a victorious ship returning from battle with its flags still proudly flying high.

People now broadly use it in a modern context to describe outstanding performance in various aspects of life.

How to use it: “I was so nervous about my IELTS speaking test, but in the end I passed with flying colors! I think all the practice tests I did with ELSA AI really helped me to feel confident when speaking to the IELTS examiner.” 

7. “The sky is the limit”

“The sky’s the limit” is used to express that there are no apparent boundaries to what can be achieved. It suggests that your potential or possibilities are virtually limitless.

This idiom can be used to inspire and motivate you to aim high and pursue your goals with confidence. Emphasizing that you should not set artificial or self-imposed limits on what you can achieve.

How to use it: “I’d always thought that studying in an English-speaking country would be out of reach, but with these IELTS results, it just feels like the sky’s the limit!” 

Language learning is a journey filled with challenges, growth, and moments of success and achievement. English idioms are not just phrases; they’re reflections of human ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of success. So, as you navigate your own path to English proficiency, remember these idiomatic expressions when celebrating success and achievement—they’re your companions on the road, inspiring you to knock it out of the park, rise to the occasion, and put your best foot forward with each step.

ELSA AI tutor can be your trusted companion on your English language learning journey. Offering you real time roleplays and instant, personalized feedback. Try it out today!