Achieving Success: English Vocabulary List

to earn enough money to be able to pay for the necessities of life

"He works hard to bring home the bacon."

"As the only earner in the family she works two jobs to bring home the bacon every week."

to become noticed or well-known by doing something, particularly something unusual or impressive

"He wants to make his mark."

"The young artist traveled to Paris hoping to make her mark in the competitive world of contemporary painting."

to be extremely popular or successful

"Her new song went down a bomb."

"The comedian's latest show went down a bomb with the audience, and everyone left the theater laughing and smiling."

to bring about either success or failure for someone or something

"This audition will make or break his career."

"This audition will make or break her acting career because the director is looking for a new star."

to be left in a situation where one either succeeds or fails

"It is sink or swim now."

"The company gave no training to new employees, so it was sink or swim from the very first day on the job."

to be the first individual who discovers something or does something new and authentic

"She loves to blaze a trail."

"The scientist decided to blaze a trail in renewable energy research by developing a completely new type of solar panel."

used to describe a risky or extreme action or solution that could either lead to great success or complete failure

"This is kill or cure."

"Investing all our remaining capital into this speculative venture is a kill or cure strategy for the company."

used to describe a situation in which one barely manages to do something or escape danger

"I passed the test by the skin of my teeth."

"I passed the final exam by the skin of my teeth with the lowest possible passing grade."

to manage to find something or someone after a long time of searching

"We ran him to ground."

"After weeks of diligent investigation, the detective finally managed to run the fugitive to ground in a remote town."

to succeed in achieving the required result or solving the encountered problem

"This will do the trick."

"Adding a little more salt to the soup did the trick and it tasted delicious after that."

to create opportunities that lead to success

"His degree opened doors for him."

"Having a degree from a top university can open doors for you when you start looking for employment."

to achieve an initial level of success in dealing with a particular task, situation, challenge, etc.

"I could not get to first base."

"I have been studying for months but I cannot get to first base with this difficult language."

(of a process or event) without encountering any problems, difficulties, or obstacles

"The event went without its hitch."

"The wedding ceremony proceeded without a hitch, much to the relief of the happy couple."

to perform a clever or skillful action, find a quick solution to a problem, or successfully complete a task or job

"She turned a trick."

"The resourceful mechanic managed to turn a trick by fixing the engine with only basic tools."

to continue to succeed fast

"The project is going great guns."

"Since they hired the new manager, the company has been going great guns and profits have increased significantly."

to achieve success, especially in a competitive or high-stakes situation

"They bring home bacon."

"The dedicated team worked tirelessly to bring home the bacon, securing the crucial contract for their company."

a situation where something regains success or popularity

"It's a new lease on life."

"After the successful rebranding, the struggling business experienced a new lease on life and increased customer interest."