Boost & Enhancement: English Vocabulary List

to have a very successful outcome, often despite initial challenges or difficulties

"Everything will come up roses."

"Despite the early setbacks, the project came up roses and exceeded everyone's expectations."

to take time to recover, heal, or regain strength after a difficult or painful experience

"The team went home to lick their wounds."

"After losing the election the defeated politician went home to lick his wounds and plan his next campaign."

a sudden and significant change, improvement, or increase

"The computer was a quantum leap forward."

"The invention of the smartphone was a quantum leap in communication technology that changed the world forever."

to make effort to fix all the small problems of something, such as an activity or project

"We must iron out kinks."

"Before the official launch, the development team worked tirelessly to iron out the kinks in the new software."

slowly becoming successful again after a period of constant failure

"The project is back on the rails."

"After months of therapy his life is finally back on the rails and he feels hopeful about the future."

gaining more popularity, power, or influence

"Her career is in ascendant."

"With each successful film and endorsement deal, the young actress's star is clearly in the ascendant."

returning to the right path after a failure, mistake, etc.

"My diet is back on track now."

"After a few setbacks the construction project is now back on track and expected to finish on time."

the final small detail added to complete and improve something, giving it a polished, finished quality

"Add a finishing touch."

"She added a few finishing touches to the cake before serving it to her guests at dinner."

something extra that is added to something that is already good in order to make it perfect

"The bonus is icing on the cake."

"Winning the championship was amazing, and the cash prize was the icing on the cake."

the final adjustment to something already good or satisfactory just to make it perfect

"A good boss is the cherry on the sundae."

"Getting a promotion was wonderful but the cherry on top of the cake was the corner office with a beautiful view."

in a state of moving or progressing rapidly, particularly with regards to one's career, success, or lifestyle

"He lives his life in the fast lane."

"He has been living in the fast lane since winning the lottery but his friends worry he will crash eventually."

in a process of recovering or improving from a failure or setback

"He is on the mend."

"Following the difficult project, the team is now on the mend, focusing on recovery and future planning."