Successful People & Things: English Vocabulary List

(of a person) doing something one is trained for or is very good at

"The doctor in action."

"Watching the skilled surgeon in action during the complex operation was truly inspiring for the medical students."

working or operating correctly and without any problems

"The old car is in good working order."

"The vintage car is still in perfect working order and runs as smoothly as when it was new."

at the peak or maximum level of performance, engagement, or energy

"The party was in full swing."

"The party was in full swing by midnight with everyone dancing and laughing and having a great time."

a person with secret skills or ideas that when become known, they surprise people

"The dark horse won the election."

"The dark horse won the election and surprised everyone who had favored the leading candidate."

someone who is very rich or influential, particularly a politician or business owner

"He is a fat cat."

"The public grew increasingly resentful of the perceived greed of the fat cat executives receiving massive bonuses."

to achieve or experience significant success or progress, often with a sense of confidence and positive momentum

"She really has it going on."

"After months of hard work, our team finally has it going on with the new project."

a person who achieves success, wealth, etc., at the later stages of life compared to others

"He was a late bloomer in sports."

"He was a late bloomer in sports and did not make the varsity team until his senior year."

to be in a situation in which one can have what they desire or need

"You are in luck today!"

"She was in luck when she found a twenty-dollar bill on the sidewalk."

the person who holds the highest position or achieves the greatest success in a particular context or competition

"He is king of the hill."

"After winning the championship for the third consecutive year, she solidified her position as the undisputed king of the hill in her sport."

in a distinctive and very successful way

"She passed the test with flying colors."

"She passed her driving test with flying colors on the very first attempt without any mistakes."

(of a person or organization) to be exceptionally influential or important

"His words carry weight."

"As a respected elder in the community, her opinions always carry weight in important decisions."

a sudden but brief success that is not sustained

"He was a flash in the pan."

"The young singer was just a flash in the pan because nobody remembers her songs from last year."

to achieve or experience significant success or progress, often with a sense of confidence and positive momentum

"She has it going on."

"With her innovative business strategies and confident execution, it's clear she's got it going on."

an individual who is highly skilled or experienced in a specific activity or profession

"He is a man."

"The experienced negotiator proved to be a true man in the complex international trade discussions."