Accomplishing something means finishing a task or reaching a goal. People often use idioms to talk about doing this in a fun and interesting way. Idioms are phrases where the meaning is different from the words themselves. They help us describe success in a way that sounds lively and easy to remember.
In this article, you will learn 30 idioms about accomplishing things. These idioms show different ways people say they have done something well. You will see what each idiom means and how to use it in sentences. This will help you understand and use these expressions in your own life, like at school or with friends. Let’s get started and explore these idioms for accomplishment together.
Idioms for Accomplish
1. Shoot for the stars
Meaning: To aim for a very high goal.
Samples: She shot for the stars and joined the science club. / I’m shooting for the stars by rying out for the basketball team.
To Put it Another Way: I want to reach a big goal. / I’m trying my hardest to succeed.
2. Hit the nail on the head
Meaning: To do something exactly right.
Samples: You hit the nail on the head with your answer. / He hit the nail on the head when he solved the problem.
To Put it Another Way: I did it perfectly. / I got it exactly right.
3. Break new ground
Meaning: To do something that has never been done before.
Samples: The team broke new ground with their project. / She broke new ground in her art class.
To Put it Another Way: I tried something new. / I did something no one else has done.
4. Cross the finish line
Meaning: To complete a task or goal.
Samples: I crossed the finish line in the race. / She crossed the finish line after finishing her homework.
To Put it Another Way: I finished what I started. / I reached the end.
5. Get your act together
Meaning: To organize yourself and start doing things well.
Samples: He got his act together and finished his project. / You need to get your act together to pass the test.
To Put it Another Way: I started working better. / I became more focused.
6. Pull it off
Meaning: To succeed at something difficult.
Samples: They pulled off a great performance. / I wasn’t sure, but I pulled off the math test.
To Put it Another Way: I succeeded. / I did something hard.
7. On the ball
Meaning: Being quick and aware to complete tasks well.
Samples: She’s really on the ball with her assignments. / He stayed on the ball during the group project.
To Put it Another Way: I am alert and ready. / I keep up with what I need to do.
8. Bring home the bacon
Meaning: To succeed or earn something important.
Samples: She brought home the bacon by winning the contest. / He brought home the bacon with his good grades.
To Put it Another Way: I achieved success. / I earned something valuable.
9. Go the extra mile
Meaning: To do more than is needed to succeed.
Samples: She went the extra mile by helping her friends study. / I went the extra mile and practiced after school.
To Put it Another Way: I did more than required. / I worked harder to succeed.
10. Make the grade
Meaning: To reach the required standard or level.
Samples: He made the grade to join the team. / I worked hard to make the grade in science.
To Put it Another Way: I met the goal. / I was good enough.
11. Bring to fruition
Meaning: To complete something successfully.
Samples: The class project was brought to fruition after weeks of work. / I brought my plan to fruition by finishing it on time.
To Put it Another Way: I finished well. / I made it happen.
12. Get the ball rolling
Meaning: To start something that leads to success.
Samples: She got the ball rolling on the group assignment. / I got the ball rolling by asking the first question.
To Put it Another Way: I started the process. / I took the first step.
13. Step up to the plate
Meaning: To take responsibility and do your part.
Samples: He stepped up to the plate and helped clean the room. / I stepped up to the plate during the group project.
To Put it Another Way: I took charge. / I did what I needed to do.
14. Seal the deal
Meaning: To finish an agreement or goal successfully.
Samples: They sealed the deal with a great presentation. / I sealed the deal by finishing my part on time.
To Put it Another Way: I completed the goal. / I made it official.
15. Put your best foot forward
Meaning: To try your hardest to succeed.
Samples: She put her best foot forward in the spelling bee. / I put my best foot forward on the science project.
To Put it Another Way: I did my best. / I gave my strongest effort.
16. Get down to business
Meaning: To start working seriously on a task.
Samples: After the break, we got down to business on the project. / I got down to business and finished my homework.
To Put it Another Way: I started working hard. / I focused on the task.
17. Keep your eye on the ball
Meaning: To stay focused on your goal.
Samples: She kept her eye on the ball during the exam. / I kept my eye on the ball to finish the race.
To Put it Another Way: I stayed focused. / I didn’t lose sight of my goal.
18. Call the shots
Meaning: To be in charge and make decisions.
Samples: She called the shots in the team project. / I called the shots for our presentation.
To Put it Another Way: I made the decisions. / I took control.
19. Get your ducks in a row
Meaning: To get organized before starting.
Samples: I got my ducks in a row before the test. / She got her ducks in a row for the science fair.
To Put it Another Way: I planned well. / I got ready.
20. Take the bull by the horns
Meaning: To face a problem or challenge directly.
Samples: He took the bull by the horns and solved the problem. / I took the bull by the horns and asked for help.
To Put it Another Way: I faced the challenge. / I acted bravely.
21. In the bag
Meaning: Something is certain to be achieved.
Samples: The win was in the bag after our last practice. / I knew the test was in the bag after studying.
To Put it Another Way: I was sure to succeed. / It was already won.
22. Make it happen
Meaning: To cause something to be done successfully.
Samples: She made it happen by working hard every day. / I made it happen with the help of my team.
To Put it Another Way: I caused success. / I got the job done.
23. On the right track
Meaning: Doing something correctly and making progress.
Samples: You are on the right track with your reading. / I was on the right track during the project.
To Put it Another Way: I am doing well. / I am moving forward.
24. Cut to the chase
Meaning: To get to the main point or goal quickly.
Samples: She cut to the chase and finished the presentation. / I cut to the chase and solved the problem fast.
To Put it Another Way: I got straight to the goal. / I didn’t waste time.
25. Nail it
Meaning: To do something perfectly.
Samples: He nailed it in the school play. / I nailed the math test today.
To Put it Another Way: I did it very well. / I succeeded perfectly.
26. Bring something to the table
Meaning: To offer something useful to help achieve a goal.
Samples: She brought great ideas to the table. / I brought my best work to the team.
To Put it Another Way: I helped a lot. / I gave something valuable.
27. Take it home
Meaning: To finish or win something successfully.
Samples: Our team took it home after a great game. / I took it home by completing the project.
To Put it Another Way: I finished strong. / I won or succeeded.
28. Rise to the occasion
Meaning: To do well in a difficult situation.
Samples: She rose to the occasion when it mattered most. / I rose to the occasion and gave a good speech.
To Put it Another Way: I did well under pressure. / I succeeded when it was hard.
29. Get over the hump
Meaning: To pass a difficult part of a task.
Samples: I got over the hump and finished my book report. / She got over the hump of the hard math problem.
To Put it Another Way: I passed the hardest part. / I kept going.
30. Finish strong
Meaning: To complete a task with great effort at the end.
Samples: I finished strong in the race. / She finished strong by studying until the test.
To Put it Another Way: I ended with effort. / I did my best at the last part.
Find the Topics: Idioms for Accomplish
Last month, our school had a big science fair. Emma wanted to shoot for the stars by making the best project. She worked hard every day and knew she had to get her act together to finish on time. On the first day, her teacher told her to keep her eye on the ball and not get distracted.
During the fair, Emma’s friend Jake was nervous but told her, “You can pull it off!” Emma also had to step up to the plate when her project wasn’t working right. She didn’t give up and decided to take the bull by the horns to fix the problem.
In the end, Emma crossed the finish line by presenting her project well. Everyone said she really nailed it! Her hard work paid off, and she felt proud of what she had done.
Your Task:
Underline or list all the idioms for accomplishment you find in the story above.
Answer Key
- Shoot for the stars
- Get her act together
- Keep her eye on the ball
- Pull it off
- Step up to the plate
- Take the bull by the horns
- Cross the finish line
- Nail it
Conclusion
Idioms are a fun way to talk about accomplishing goals. They help us describe success in easy and interesting ways. When you use these expressions, you can explain your hard work and achievements clearly. Whether you shoot for the stars or nail it, these idioms make your stories more exciting and easy to understand. Keep practicing them, and you will sound confident talking about your accomplishments.
