Being ambitious means having big dreams and wanting to do great things. Many people use special phrases called idioms to talk about ambition. Idioms are groups of words that have a meaning different from the usual one. They help make language more interesting and fun.
In this article, you will learn about idioms for ambitious. These idioms show how people describe wanting to reach goals and work hard. Understanding these idioms will help you talk about your dreams in new ways. Let’s explore what it means to be ambitious through these useful phrases.
Idioms for Ambitious
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 trying 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. Starry-eyed
Meaning: Having big dreams or being very hopeful.
Samples: He was starry-eyed about becoming an astronaut. / She’s starry-eyed when she talks about her future.
To Put it Another Way: I dream a lot. / I feel very hopeful and excited.
3. Climb the ladder
Meaning: To work hard and move step by step toward success.
Samples: She climbed the ladder by practicing every day. / I’m climbing the ladder to get better at reading.
To Put it Another Way: I’m working my way up slowly. / I’m making progress one step at a time.
4. Reach for the sky
Meaning: To try for something very big or hard to get.
Samples: He reached for the sky when he joined the math team. / I reached for the sky by learning a new language.
To Put it Another Way: I’m aiming high. / I want something great.
5. Go the extra mile
Meaning: To work harder than expected.
Samples: She went the extra mile by studying after school. / I went the extra mile to finish my project early.
To Put it Another Way: I worked harder than usual. / I tried more than I had to.
6. Break new ground
Meaning: To do something new and different.
Samples: He broke new ground by inventing a robot. / We broke new ground by starting a recycling club.
To Put it Another Way: I did something no one did before. / I started something new.
7. Keep your eyes on the prize
Meaning: To stay focused on a goal.
Samples: She kept her eyes on the prize and won the race. / I kept my eyes on the prize to finish my homework.
To Put it Another Way: I didn’t lose focus. / I stayed focused on what I wanted.
8. Take the bull by the horns
Meaning: To face a problem or challenge directly.
Samples: He took the bull by the horns and asked for help. / I took the bull by the horns and joined the debate team.
To Put it Another Way: I faced the problem bravely. / I handled the challenge myself.
9. Go for broke
Meaning: To try with all your effort, even if it is risky.
Samples: She went for broke and performed her best at the talent show. / I went for broke when I asked to lead the group project.
To Put it Another Way: I gave it my all. / I tried my hardest, no matter what.
10. Aim high
Meaning: To set big goals.
Samples: He aims high by practicing basketball every day. / I aim high because I want to be a doctor.
To Put it Another Way: I set big goals for myself. / I want to do great things.
11. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: To work late into the night.
Samples: She burned the midnight oil to finish her science project. / I burned the midnight oil studying for my test.
To Put it Another Way: I worked late at night. / I stayed up late to get work done.
12. Step up your game
Meaning: To try harder and improve.
Samples: He stepped up his game and scored more points. / I stepped up my game by practicing piano every day.
To Put it Another Way: I tried harder. / I got better by working more.
13. Leave no stone unturned
Meaning: To try everything to reach a goal.
Samples: She left no stone unturned to win the spelling bee. / I left no stone unturned to finish my homework.
To Put it Another Way: I tried every way I could. / I didn’t give up on anything.
14. Get your foot in the door
Meaning: To take the first step toward a goal or job.
Samples: He got his foot in the door by volunteering at the library. / I got my foot in the door by joining the chess club.
To Put it Another Way: I started working toward my goal. / I took the first step.
15. Keep your nose to the grindstone
Meaning: To work hard without stopping.
Samples: She kept her nose to the grindstone and finished her book. / I kept my nose to the grindstone to practice soccer.
To Put it Another Way: I worked hard and didn’t stop. / I stayed focused on my work.
16. Make a name for yourself
Meaning: To become well known for your work or skills.
Samples: He made a name for himself by winning awards. / I want to make a name for myself in art class.
To Put it Another Way: I want people to know me. / I want to be recognized for what I do.
17. On the right track
Meaning: Moving in the correct direction to reach a goal.
Samples: She’s on the right track to becoming a great writer. / I’m on the right track with my reading practice.
To Put it Another Way: I’m going the right way. / I’m making good progress.
18. Put your best foot forward
Meaning: To try your hardest.
Samples: He put his best foot forward in the school play. / I put my best foot forward on the math test.
To Put it Another Way: I did my very best. / I worked hard to succeed.
19. Rise to the occasion
Meaning: To do well in a difficult situation.
Samples: She rose to the occasion during the big game. / I rose to the occasion by helping my team win.
To Put it Another Way: I did my best when it mattered. / I handled the challenge well.
20. Break the mold
Meaning: To do something different from others.
Samples: He broke the mold by choosing a new sport to play. / I broke the mold by creating a new art project.
To Put it Another Way: I did things my own way. / I was different from everyone else.
21. Give it your all
Meaning: To try as hard as you can.
Samples: She gave it her all in the spelling contest. / I gave it my all during the science experiment.
To Put it Another Way: I tried my very hardest. / I did everything I could.
22. Keep your chin up
Meaning: To stay positive even when things are hard.
Samples: He kept his chin up after losing the race. / I kept my chin up even when the test was tough.
To Put it Another Way: I stayed hopeful. / I didn’t give up.
23. Shoot from the hip
Meaning: To act quickly without much thinking.
Samples: She shot from the hip and answered the question fast. / I shot from the hip when I raised my hand first.
To Put it Another Way: I acted fast. / I didn’t think too long before acting.
24. Step into the spotlight
Meaning: To take attention and show your skills.
Samples: He stepped into the spotlight during the talent show. / I stepped into the spotlight when I read my poem aloud.
To Put it Another Way: I showed what I can do. / I took charge and let others see me.
25. Take a shot
Meaning: To try something, even if it might be hard.
Samples: She took a shot at the spelling bee. / I took a shot at making the soccer team.
To Put it Another Way: I tried it. / I gave it a chance.
26. Reach for the moon
Meaning: To aim for a very big or hard goal.
Samples: He reached for the moon by working hard every day. / I’m reaching for the moon by learning to play piano.
To Put it Another Way: I want something very big. / I’m aiming very high.
27. Take the plunge
Meaning: To do something that feels risky or new.
Samples: She took the plunge and joined the school play. / I took the plunge and asked to lead the project.
To Put it Another Way: I tried something new. / I took a chance.
28. Turn over a new leaf
Meaning: To start fresh and improve.
Samples: He turned over a new leaf and started studying more. / I turned over a new leaf by being kinder to my friends.
To Put it Another Way: I started doing better. / I changed to be better.
29. Walk the extra mile
Meaning: To do more than what is needed.
Samples: She walked the extra mile to help her classmates. / I walked the extra mile by finishing my homework early.
To Put it Another Way: I did more than expected. / I went above and beyond.
30. Rise and shine
Meaning: To get ready and be energetic for the day or a challenge.
Samples: He rose and shined before his big game. / I rise and shine every morning to practice piano.
To Put it Another Way: I got ready with energy. / I prepared well and felt good.
Find the Topics: Idioms for Ambitious
Last week, Emma decided to shoot for the stars by trying out for the school basketball team. She was very excited but also a little nervous. Her coach told her to keep her eyes on the prize and focus on getting better every day.
During practice, Emma worked hard and always went the extra mile by running extra laps. Sometimes it was tough, but she kept her nose to the grindstone and did not give up.
One day, she faced a difficult challenge in a game. Instead of getting scared, Emma decided to take the bull by the horns and play with confidence. Her teammates cheered as she made an important shot.
Emma’s hard work helped her climb the ladder of success in the team. She also learned to put her best foot forward in every practice and game. Emma was proud because she knew she was getting closer to her dream.
Task: Read the story above carefully. Underline or list all the idioms about ambition that you found in the passage.
Answer Key
- Shoot for the stars
- Keep your eyes on the prize
- Go the extra mile
- Keep your nose to the grindstone
- Take the bull by the horns
- Climb the ladder
- Put your best foot forward
Conclusion
Idioms for ambition help us talk about working hard and chasing big goals. They make it easier to describe how people stay focused and brave. Using these idioms, you can explain your dreams and efforts in a clear and fun way.
Remember, whether you are climbing the ladder or taking the bull by the horns, the important thing is to keep trying and never give up.
