Ambition is the drive that pushes us to achieve our goals and dreams. It’s what makes us work hard, even when things get tough. Everyone has different dreams, but ambition is what keeps us moving forward. It helps us stay focused and ready to face challenges. Ambition can inspire people to do their best in school, sports, or anything they care about.
In this article, we will explore idioms related to ambition. These idioms help describe how people set high goals, work toward them, and keep pushing themselves. Understanding these expressions will make it easier to talk about ambition in a fun and creative way. Whether you’re aiming for something big or small, these idioms can help you express the drive to succeed. Let’s dive in and learn some common sayings!
Idioms About Ambition
1. Reach for the stars
Meaning: Try to achieve something very difficult or high.
Example Sentence:
- Sarah wants to be a doctor. She’s really reaching for the stars.
- When I grow up, I’m going to reach for the stars and be an astronaut.
Other ways to say: Aim high, set big goals
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom suggests aiming for the stars as the highest goal.
Usage: Used when someone is trying to achieve something big.
2. Shoot for the moon
Meaning: Aim for something difficult but possible.
Example Sentence:
- He decided to shoot for the moon and start his own business.
- If you shoot for the moon, you might end up reaching the top.
Other ways to say: Dream big, set your sights high
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea that aiming for something far away is still worth it.
Usage: Encouraging someone to set ambitious goals.
3. Climb the ladder
Meaning: Progress toward success or a better position.
Example Sentence:
- She worked hard to climb the ladder and became a manager.
- John is climbing the ladder at work, hoping for a promotion.
Other ways to say: Move up, advance
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to climbing a physical ladder to reach a higher place.
Usage: Used when someone is advancing in their career or life.
4. Go the extra mile
Meaning: Do more than what is expected.
Example Sentence:
- To become a top player, you have to go the extra mile in practice.
- She always goes the extra mile to help others.
Other ways to say: Put in extra effort, do more
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to walking more than necessary, as in going beyond expectations.
Usage: Used when someone works harder than expected.
5. Make it to the top
Meaning: Reach the highest point of success.
Example Sentence:
- After many years of hard work, he made it to the top of his career.
- She wants to make it to the top and be the best soccer player.
Other ways to say: Reach the peak, achieve success
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom comes from the idea of climbing to the highest point.
Usage: Used when someone achieves the highest level of success.
6. On top of the world
Meaning: Feeling very happy and successful.
Example Sentence:
- After winning the championship, I felt on top of the world.
- She was on top of the world after getting her dream job.
Other ways to say: Feel great, feel like a winner
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to feeling as if you’ve reached the best position.
Usage: Used when someone feels successful or happy.
7. Go big or go home
Meaning: Take a big risk to achieve something great or don’t try at all.
Example Sentence:
- I decided to go big or go home and started my own company.
- If we’re going to win, we have to go big or go home.
Other ways to say: Take a chance, all or nothing
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom is often used in sports or business when a big effort is needed.
Usage: Used when someone is making a bold decision.
8. Break the ceiling
Meaning: Overcome limits or expectations.
Example Sentence:
- She broke the ceiling and became the first female CEO.
- His performance on the test broke the ceiling, impressing everyone.
Other ways to say: Surpass expectations, go beyond limits
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to breaking through invisible barriers in life.
Usage: Used when someone achieves something once thought impossible.
9. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: Work late into the night to reach a goal.
Example Sentence:
- He burned the midnight oil to finish his project.
- To pass the exam, I had to burn the midnight oil studying.
Other ways to say: Stay up late, work hard
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to using oil lamps to work at night before electricity.
Usage: Used when someone works late to accomplish something.
10. Put your nose to the grindstone
Meaning: Work hard and stay focused.
Example Sentence:
- She put her nose to the grindstone and studied all night for the test.
- If you put your nose to the grindstone, you’ll finish the project on time.
Other ways to say: Focus hard, work diligently
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the hard work required in grinding stones.
Usage: Used when someone is working with dedication.
11. Take the bull by the horns
Meaning: Face a difficult situation directly.
Example Sentence:
- He took the bull by the horns and solved the problem at work.
- When the team was losing, she took the bull by the horns and scored the winning goal.
Other ways to say: Face the challenge, confront directly
Fun Fact/Origin: Comes from the idea of controlling a strong bull.
Usage: Used when someone decides to take charge of a tough situation.
12. Strike while the iron is hot
Meaning: Take action at the right moment.
Example Sentence:
- When I saw the job opening, I struck while the iron was hot and applied.
- He struck while the iron was hot and invested in the business when it was growing.
Other ways to say: Seize the opportunity, act fast
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to blacksmiths working with hot iron.
Usage: Used when someone takes advantage of a good opportunity quickly.
13. Light a fire under someone
Meaning: Motivate someone to work harder.
Example Sentence:
- The coach lit a fire under the team to work harder in practice.
- Her teacher lit a fire under her to finish the project on time.
Other ways to say: Push someone, inspire action
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea of getting someone moving like lighting a fire.
Usage: Used when someone needs encouragement to work harder.
14. Run with it
Meaning: Take an idea and make it your own.
Example Sentence:
- He had a great idea, and now he’s running with it to start his business.
- She decided to run with it and organize the event herself.
Other ways to say: Take charge, carry forward
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to running with something that you’ve started.
Usage: Used when someone takes control of a task or idea.
15. Keep your eye on the prize
Meaning: Stay focused on your goal.
Example Sentence:
- Even when things got tough, he kept his eye on the prize and graduated.
- To win the race, you need to keep your eye on the prize and not get distracted.
Other ways to say: Stay focused, don’t lose sight of your goal
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea of focusing on what you want to achieve.
Usage: Used to remind someone to focus on their goal.
16. Run the race
Meaning: Work hard toward a long-term goal.
Example Sentence:
- She ran the race and eventually became the top performer in her field.
- It’s not about winning right away; it’s about running the race and staying focused.
Other ways to say: Stay committed, keep going
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to life as a race, where persistence is key.
Usage: Used when someone is working toward a goal that requires effort over time.
17. Reach the summit
Meaning: Achieve the highest point of success.
Example Sentence:
- After years of hard work, he reached the summit of his career.
- She reached the summit when she became the team captain.
Other ways to say: Reach the peak, achieve the highest goal
Fun Fact/Origin: Summit refers to the top of a mountain.
Usage: Used when someone achieves their ultimate goal.
18. Sink or swim
Meaning: Succeed or fail without help.
Example Sentence:
- In his new job, it’s sink or swim—he has to figure it out on his own.
- The new player had to sink or swim in the big game.
Other ways to say: Stand on your own, do it alone
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea of survival without assistance.
Usage: Used when someone has to face a challenge alone.
19. Step up to the plate
Meaning: Take responsibility or action when needed.
Example Sentence:
- She stepped up to the plate and led the team to victory.
- It was his turn to step up to the plate and finish the project.
Other ways to say: Take charge, take action
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to baseball, where players must step up to hit the ball.
Usage: Used when someone takes action in a situation.
20. The sky’s the limit
Meaning: There is no limit to what can be achieved.
Example Sentence:
- With her talent, the sky’s the limit for what she can do.
- If you work hard, the sky’s the limit to what you can achieve.
Other ways to say: Anything is possible, limitless potential
Fun Fact/Origin: Suggests that the sky has no end, just like possibilities.
Usage: Used to express limitless possibilities.
21. Make waves
Meaning: Create a big impact or change.
Example Sentence:
- She made waves in the art world with her new painting style.
- His decision to change schools really made waves in the community.
Other ways to say: Stir things up, cause a stir
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to making a noticeable splash, like waves in the water.
Usage: Used when someone causes noticeable change or attention.
22. Keep your nose to the grindstone
Meaning: Work hard and stay focused.
Example Sentence:
- If you keep your nose to the grindstone, you’ll get that promotion.
- He kept his nose to the grindstone all summer to save for his trip.
Other ways to say: Stay focused, keep working
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the hard work and effort required in shaping tools with a grindstone.
Usage: Used when someone works continuously and with focus.
23. Hit the ground running
Meaning: Start something and do it well from the beginning.
Example Sentence:
- She hit the ground running on her first day at the new job.
- The team hit the ground running and won their first match of the season.
Other ways to say: Get off to a good start, start strong
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to athletes running quickly from the start line in a race.
Usage: Used when someone starts a task or project successfully right away.
24. Rise to the occasion
Meaning: Meet a challenge or task successfully.
Example Sentence:
- Even though it was tough, he rose to the occasion and finished the project.
- She always rises to the occasion when her team needs her.
Other ways to say: Meet the challenge, step up
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to being ready and capable when faced with a challenge.
Usage: Used when someone meets a difficult challenge successfully.
25. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch
Meaning: Don’t assume something will happen before it does.
Example Sentence:
- I know you’re excited about the job offer, but don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
- He was planning the party before he even heard back from the guests. Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.
Other ways to say: Don’t get ahead of yourself, wait until it happens
Fun Fact/Origin: This phrase comes from the idea that not every egg will turn into a chick.
Usage: Used when someone is too confident before things are certain.
26. Keep your eye on the ball
Meaning: Stay focused on what’s important.
Example Sentence:
- In order to pass the test, you need to keep your eye on the ball and study hard.
- He kept his eye on the ball and was the first to finish the race.
Other ways to say: Stay focused, stay on task
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to focusing on the ball during a game to make a successful play.
Usage: Used when someone needs to focus on an important goal.
27. Take it to the next level
Meaning: Improve or increase your efforts to achieve more.
Example Sentence:
- She took her singing skills to the next level by hiring a vocal coach.
- With practice, he’s ready to take his game to the next level.
Other ways to say: Step up your game, improve
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to leveling up in a video game to improve your skills.
Usage: Used when someone improves or advances in their skills or efforts.
28. Be ahead of the curve
Meaning: Be more advanced or prepared than others.
Example Sentence:
- He’s always ahead of the curve with the latest technology.
- By starting early, she was ahead of the curve in the competition.
Other ways to say: Be ahead of the game, stay in front
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to being in front of others, much like staying ahead in a race.
Usage: Used when someone is more prepared or advanced than others.
29. A step in the right direction
Meaning: Make progress toward a goal.
Example Sentence:
- Getting a job interview is a step in the right direction for his career.
- Finishing the first chapter was a step in the right direction for the book.
Other ways to say: Make progress, take a step forward
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom suggests moving toward something positive, one step at a time.
Usage: Used when someone makes progress toward a goal.
30. Take the plunge
Meaning: Take a big risk or make an important decision.
Example Sentence:
- After much thought, she decided to take the plunge and start her own business.
- He took the plunge and moved to a new city for his dream job.
Other ways to say: Dive in, take a risk
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to jumping into something with excitement or uncertainty.
Usage: Used when someone makes a bold decision.
31. Pull yourself up by your bootstraps
Meaning: Work hard to improve your situation without help.
Example Sentence:
- He pulled himself up by his bootstraps and became successful after starting with nothing.
- She pulled herself up by her bootstraps and finished the project on time.
Other ways to say: Help yourself, do it alone
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea of lifting yourself up using the straps of your boots, which is impossible but symbolizes effort.
Usage: Used when someone works hard to improve their situation independently.
32. Stay the course
Meaning: Keep going toward your goal despite challenges.
Example Sentence:
- Even when things got tough, she stayed the course and finished her degree.
- He decided to stay the course and train for the marathon, despite the challenges.
Other ways to say: Keep going, stay focused
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to staying on the path or track until the goal is reached.
Usage: Used when someone continues to work toward their goal despite obstacles.
33. Make a name for yourself
Meaning: Become well-known for something.
Example Sentence:
- She made a name for herself by starting a popular food blog.
- He’s working hard to make a name for himself in the music industry.
Other ways to say: Gain recognition, become famous
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to becoming known for your work or achievements.
Usage: Used when someone gains fame or recognition through their efforts.
34. The world is your oyster
Meaning: You have unlimited opportunities ahead of you.
Example Sentence:
- After graduating, the world is your oyster—you can do anything!
- She just got her first job, and now the world is her oyster.
Other ways to say: Endless opportunities, anything is possible
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea that oysters contain pearls, which are treasures that can be discovered.
Usage: Used to express the endless possibilities that someone has in life.
35. Hit it big
Meaning: Achieve great success, especially in a short time.
Example Sentence:
- After years of practice, he finally hit it big as a professional basketball player.
- She hopes to hit it big with her new startup.
Other ways to say: Become successful, make it big
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to achieving big success, often unexpectedly.
Usage: Used when someone achieves significant success quickly.
36. Put all your eggs in one basket
Meaning: Rely on one plan or option, which can be risky.
Example Sentence:
- It’s risky to put all your eggs in one basket by investing everything in one company.
- Don’t put all your eggs in one basket—try applying to several jobs.
Other ways to say: Rely on one option, risk everything
Fun Fact/Origin: This idiom refers to the idea that if the basket falls, you lose everything.
Usage: Used to warn against putting all effort or resources into one plan.
37. Go the distance
Meaning: Continue working hard and finish what you started.
Example Sentence:
- He went the distance and completed the marathon, even though it was difficult.
- She’s been working on this project for months, and she’s going the distance.
Other ways to say: Keep going, finish strong
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to completing a long journey or effort, like running a race.
Usage: Used when someone continues working hard until they reach their goal.
38. Take the high road
Meaning: Act with integrity and avoid petty conflicts.
Example Sentence:
- Even when others were rude, he took the high road and remained respectful.
- She always takes the high road and treats everyone kindly, no matter the situation.
Other ways to say: Be noble, act with honor
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to taking the moral and respectful route in difficult situations.
Usage: Used when someone acts with dignity, especially in a difficult situation.
39. Walk a fine line
Meaning: Be in a situation where small mistakes could have big consequences.
Example Sentence:
- As a leader, she walks a fine line between being friendly and maintaining authority.
- He walks a fine line with his new business, balancing risk and reward.
Other ways to say: Be cautious, tread carefully
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to walking on a narrow path where one misstep can cause problems.
Usage: Used when someone must be careful to avoid mistakes.
40. Keep the momentum going
Meaning: Continue making progress or moving forward.
Example Sentence:
- After the successful launch, they kept the momentum going with a new marketing campaign.
- He worked hard to keep the momentum going during the race.
Other ways to say: Keep moving forward, maintain progress
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea of continuing motion or energy after starting something.
Usage: Used when someone is continuing to make progress after an initial success.
41. Take the world by storm
Meaning: Become very popular or successful quickly.
Example Sentence:
- Her new song took the world by storm and became a hit.
- The team took the world by storm with their unexpected victory.
Other ways to say: Become an overnight success, take over
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to a sudden and widespread impact, like a storm.
Usage: Used when someone or something becomes popular or successful quickly.
42. Have the drive
Meaning: Have the determination and motivation to achieve a goal.
Example Sentence:
- She has the drive to become a successful lawyer.
- He’s got the drive to win the competition this year.
Other ways to say: Be motivated, have ambition
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to inner motivation or ambition that pushes someone forward.
Usage: Used when someone is highly motivated to reach their goal.
43. Make waves
Meaning: Create a strong impression or cause a noticeable change.
Example Sentence:
- His speech made waves in the community, encouraging others to get involved.
- The new policy made waves in the company, changing how things were done.
Other ways to say: Stir things up, make an impact
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to creating a ripple effect, like waves in water.
Usage: Used when someone makes a big impact or noticeable change.
44. The early bird catches the worm
Meaning: Those who start early or act quickly are more likely to succeed.
Example Sentence:
- She woke up early to study; the early bird catches the worm.
- He got the job because he applied first—the early bird catches the worm.
Other ways to say: Act fast, start early
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea that the early bird gets the best pick of food.
Usage: Used to encourage prompt action and early starts.
45. Put your best foot forward
Meaning: Show your best effort or appearance.
Example Sentence:
- She put her best foot forward during the job interview and got hired.
- When meeting new people, always put your best foot forward.
Other ways to say: Make a good impression, do your best
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the first step being the most important one in making a good impression.
Usage: Used when someone tries their best to make a good impression.
46. Nothing ventured, nothing gained
Meaning: If you don’t take risks, you won’t get rewards.
Example Sentence:
- He decided to take a chance with the new job, believing nothing ventured, nothing gained.
- She knew that nothing ventured, nothing gained, so she applied for the dream position.
Other ways to say: Take risks, no risk, no reward
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to the idea that without taking chances, success is impossible.
Usage: Used when encouraging someone to take a risk to achieve something great.
47. Start from scratch
Meaning: Begin something from the beginning with no help.
Example Sentence:
- He had to start from scratch and build his business from the ground up.
- After the failure, she decided to start from scratch and try again.
Other ways to say: Begin again, start fresh
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to starting with nothing, as in cooking from basic ingredients.
Usage: Used when someone begins a project or task from the beginning.
48. Put your money where your mouth is
Meaning: Back up your words with action or investment.
Example Sentence:
- If you believe in the idea, put your money where your mouth is and invest in it.
- He said he’d help, but he needs to put his money where his mouth is.
Other ways to say: Back up your words, prove your commitment
Fun Fact/Origin: Refers to putting real effort or money into what you say.
Usage: Used when encouraging someone to show that they believe in what they say.
Quiz: Idioms About Ambition
Instructions: Read each question and the answer choices carefully. Pick the letter that best matches the meaning of the phrase or expression.
Question Key
1. What does the idiom “step up to the plate” mean?
A) To start playing a sport
B) To take responsibility or action
C) To make a sandwich
2. What does “the sky’s the limit” suggest?
A) There are endless possibilities
B) You can only achieve a little
C) It’s time to stop trying
3. What does “make waves” mean?
A) To create a big change or impact
B) To swim in the ocean
C) To sit quietly
4. If someone “keeps their nose to the grindstone,” what are they doing?
A) Taking a break
B) Working hard and staying focused
C) Looking for a shortcut
5. What does it mean to “hit the ground running”?
A) To sleep on the job
B) To start something quickly and well
C) To stop working
6. What does “rise to the occasion” mean?
A) To go to a party
B) To meet a challenge successfully
C) To skip work
7. What does “the early bird catches the worm” suggest?
A) The first one to arrive gets the best chance
B) It’s always good to sleep in
C) The early morning is for resting
8. What does “take the plunge” mean?
A) To dive into water
B) To take a big risk or make a decision
C) To go swimming
9. What does “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” mean?
A) To rely on others for help
B) To improve your situation through hard work
C) To buy new shoes
10. What does “start from scratch” mean?
A) Begin something with no help or starting point
B) Make a sandwich
C) Try something new without learning about it
Answer Key
- B) To take responsibility or action
- A) There are endless possibilities
- A) To create a big change or impact
- B) Working hard and staying focused
- B) To start something quickly and well
- B) To meet a challenge successfully
- A) The first one to arrive gets the best chance
- B) To take a big risk or make a decision
- B) To improve your situation through hard work
- A) Begin something with no help or starting point
Wrapping Up
Ambition is all about having big dreams and working hard to achieve them. We use idioms to talk about this drive and determination in different ways. From “stepping up to the plate” to “hitting the ground running,” these idioms show how people keep pushing forward, no matter the challenges. They remind us that with effort, we can achieve great things.
Now that you know some common idioms about ambition, you can use them to describe your own goals or the goals of others. Whether you’re working on a project or aiming for something bigger, these idioms can help you express your determination and drive. Keep aiming high, and remember, the sky’s the limit!
