In life, there are moments when we feel challenged or exhausted, but we have to keep going. Whether it’s pursuing a dream, tackling a problem, or just getting through the day, the ability to persevere is crucial. To describe this perseverance, we often use metaphors. These metaphors capture the essence of pushing forward, whether it’s climbing a mountain or riding the waves. They help us express the determination to continue, even when the path is tough.
In this article, we will explore 40 metaphors for “keep going”. These metaphors describe the strength, effort, and drive required to push through obstacles and keep moving forward. By using these metaphors, we can better communicate our experiences of persistence, resilience, and progress, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.
Metaphors for Keep Going
1. Climbing a Mountain
Meaning: Persevering through a difficult challenge, one step at a time.
Samples: His career felt like climbing a mountain, but each achievement brought him closer to the summit. / Overcoming her fears was like climbing a mountain, slowly but surely.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a challenging but steady progress. / You move forward, despite the difficulty.
2. Running a Marathon
Meaning: Persevering over a long, exhausting period, requiring endurance.
Samples: The project was like running a marathon, taking months of hard work and commitment. / The road to success felt like running a marathon, long but rewarding.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a long and demanding journey. / You continue for a long time, despite the exhaustion.
3. Swimming Against the Current
Meaning: Struggling to move forward despite opposition or difficulty.
Samples: Starting a new business felt like swimming against the current, but he refused to give up. / The fight for justice often feels like swimming against the current, but progress is possible.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a difficult journey with resistance. / You move forward, even when the odds are against you.
4. Pushing the Rock Uphill
Meaning: Continuously facing a difficult or frustrating challenge.
Samples: Every task at the office felt like pushing the rock uphill, constantly trying to make progress. / Fighting for change in the system felt like pushing the rock uphill, always struggling.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a tough and unrelenting effort. / You continue despite the constant struggle.
5. Hitting the Ground Running
Meaning: Starting something with full energy and determination.
Samples: He hit the ground running when he started the new job, diving into tasks without hesitation. / She hit the ground running after graduation, ready to tackle her career.
To Put it Another Way: You start immediately with full energy. / You don’t waste time getting started.
6. Breaking Through the Wall
Meaning: Overcoming a major obstacle or mental block to make progress.
Samples: After months of writer’s block, she finally broke through the wall and finished her book. / His breakthrough in understanding the concept felt like breaking through the wall.
To Put it Another Way: You push past a major barrier. / You overcome a difficult hurdle that was blocking progress.
7. Riding the Wave
Meaning: Going along with a period of success or momentum.
Samples: After his promotion, he felt like riding the wave, enjoying the success that came with it. / She was riding the wave of success after the big project was completed.
To Put it Another Way: You continue with ease during a successful period. / You move forward with momentum.
8. Burning the Midnight Oil
Meaning: Working late into the night to complete a task or reach a goal.
Samples: He had to burn the midnight oil to meet the deadline for the project. / She was burning the midnight oil to prepare for the big presentation.
To Put it Another Way: You work hard and long hours. / You continue working, even when it’s late.
9. Walking a Tightrope
Meaning: Balancing multiple challenges or tasks, requiring careful attention.
Samples: Managing work and personal life felt like walking a tightrope, trying not to fall behind. / The pressure at work was like walking a tightrope, careful not to make a mistake.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a delicate balancing act. / You keep going while maintaining control and precision.
10. Lighting a Candle in the Darkness
Meaning: Continuing to act or hope even when things seem hopeless or difficult.
Samples: Even in tough times, he kept lighting a candle in the darkness, holding on to hope. / The volunteers continued lighting a candle in the darkness, offering hope to those in need.
To Put it Another Way: You continue to make progress despite difficulty. / You keep pushing forward, no matter how bleak things may seem.
11. A Rolling Stone
Meaning: Moving forward constantly, not stopping for long periods.
Samples: She was like a rolling stone, never stopping for too long in one place. / The company was a rolling stone, constantly expanding and growing.
To Put it Another Way: You keep moving and don’t stay still. / You’re always making progress, never staying in one spot.
12. A River Cutting Through Stone
Meaning: Continuous, persistent effort that eventually achieves results.
Samples: His dedication to his goals was like a river cutting through stone, slowly but surely breaking down obstacles. / The constant hard work was like a river cutting through stone, steadily creating a path.
To Put it Another Way: It’s the power of persistence over time. / Consistent effort eventually overcomes any challenge.
13. Climbing the Ladder
Meaning: Moving up in life or career, step by step.
Samples: Her career felt like climbing the ladder, one promotion at a time. / He started as an intern, climbing the ladder toward leadership.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a steady, step-by-step journey upward. / You rise in status or position with consistent effort.
14. Sailing Through Storms
Meaning: Continuing forward despite difficult or turbulent situations.
Samples: They kept sailing through storms, handling all challenges with resilience. / The company sailed through storms, overcoming the tough market conditions.
To Put it Another Way: You keep moving forward despite challenges. / You navigate through difficulties with perseverance.
15. The Marathon Continues
Meaning: A long journey where one must keep going, even when the end is not in sight.
Samples: His career was like a marathon, and though it was tiring, the marathon continues. / The struggle for equality is a marathon, and the marathon continues with each new challenge.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a long process that requires endurance. / You keep going toward a distant goal.
16. Pushing the Limits
Meaning: Continuing to exceed boundaries or expectations.
Samples: He was always pushing the limits, reaching new heights in his career. / She kept pushing the limits, breaking records one after another.
To Put it Another Way: You go beyond your boundaries. / You keep moving forward, even when you exceed expectations.
17. Treading Water
Meaning: Keeping yourself afloat and continuing, even if progress feels slow.
Samples: At times, it felt like he was just treading water, but eventually, he found his stride. / The team was treading water during the tough project, but they made it through.
To Put it Another Way: You continue despite limited progress. / You stay afloat, even when it’s difficult.
18. Keeping the Wheels Turning
Meaning: Continuing to work steadily and make progress, even if it’s gradual.
Samples: He worked hard every day, keeping the wheels turning at the company. / The team kept the wheels turning, pushing forward even when things were tough.
To Put it Another Way: You keep things moving forward, step by step. / You maintain progress, even when it’s slow.
19. Chasing the Horizon
Meaning: A never-ending pursuit of goals or dreams that seem always out of reach.
Samples: His ambition was like chasing the horizon, always striving for something more. / They were chasing the horizon, always working toward greater success.
To Put it Another Way: You continue seeking something that’s just out of reach. / Your pursuit of goals never ends.
20. Paddling Through the Rapids
Meaning: Moving forward through difficult and fast-moving challenges.
Samples: They kept paddling through the rapids, facing the stormy conditions with determination. / Her journey through the difficulties felt like paddling through the rapids, fast and furious.
To Put it Another Way: You keep going through turbulent conditions. / You persist through fast-moving challenges.
21. Walking the Tightrope
Meaning: Moving forward carefully and balancing many responsibilities or risks.
Samples: Running his own business felt like walking the tightrope, with every decision critical. / Balancing work and personal life can feel like walking the tightrope.
To Put it Another Way: You move forward carefully, maintaining balance. / You manage delicate situations while staying on track.
22. Building Bridges
Meaning: Overcoming obstacles by creating connections or solutions.
Samples: Instead of fighting, she focused on building bridges, connecting different departments. / The work required him to keep building bridges, connecting people with differing viewpoints.
To Put it Another Way: You create solutions that bring people together. / You overcome barriers by forging connections.
23. Riding the Waves
Meaning: Going through the highs and lows of life, adapting to changing circumstances.
Samples: They were riding the waves of the market, adapting to the changes with each new trend. / She kept riding the waves, overcoming every obstacle that came her way.
To Put it Another Way: You keep moving through the ups and downs. / You adapt to challenges and continue forward.
24. Pushing Forward
Meaning: Continuing to move ahead despite difficulties.
Samples: Despite all the setbacks, he kept pushing forward with determination. / She kept pushing forward, never giving up on her dreams.
To Put it Another Way: You keep making progress despite challenges. / You continue to advance, no matter what obstacles arise.
25. Walking the Path of Determination
Meaning: A journey fueled by strong will and perseverance.
Samples: Her career was a path of determination, overcoming every barrier with hard work. / The path of determination led him to success, despite every challenge.
To Put it Another Way: You move forward with strong willpower. / You continue on a course driven by determination.
26. Chipping Away at the Problem
Meaning: Slowly and steadily making progress toward solving an issue.
Samples: They kept chipping away at the problem, one small task at a time. / He chipped away at the large project, breaking it down into manageable pieces.
To Put it Another Way: You make small but steady progress. / You work on a problem bit by bit.
27. Taking Small Steps
Meaning: Moving forward with careful, incremental progress.
Samples: She took small steps, not rushing but moving steadily toward her goal. / The project was completed by taking small steps every day.
To Put it Another Way: You make gradual progress. / Each small step contributes to a larger goal.
28. A Never-Ending Journey
Meaning: A continuous effort without a definite endpoint.
Samples: His pursuit of knowledge felt like a never-ending journey, with no finish line in sight. / The fight for justice is a never-ending journey, constantly moving forward.
To Put it Another Way: The journey goes on without end. / It’s a continual process that requires constant effort.
29. Climbing the Hill
Meaning: Progressing through difficult challenges, often toward a goal.
Samples: He kept climbing the hill, knowing the summit was just ahead. / Each step in the project was like climbing the hill, with small gains leading to a larger goal.
To Put it Another Way: You’re working hard toward a goal. / You keep moving forward, even when it’s tough.
30. Staying the Course
Meaning: Remaining focused on the goal and not deviating from it, even through challenges.
Samples: Despite all the distractions, he stayed the course and finished his degree. / She stayed the course, committed to the project despite the obstacles.
To Put it Another Way: You remain focused and committed. / You persist without wavering.
31. A Steady March
Meaning: Progressing forward in a calm, controlled manner.
Samples: Her career was a steady march toward leadership, with every step planned and executed carefully. / The team’s progress was a steady march, moving forward without rushing.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a steady, controlled effort. / Progress is slow but consistent.
32. Rising from the Ashes
Meaning: Overcoming a setback or difficult situation and emerging stronger.
Samples: After the crisis, the company began rising from the ashes, stronger than ever. / She rose from the ashes of her past struggles, now more determined than ever.
To Put it Another Way: You overcome setbacks and become stronger. / You emerge better from difficult situations.
33. Stepping Up to the Plate
Meaning: Taking responsibility or rising to the challenge.
Samples: He stepped up to the plate, leading the team through the final stages of the project. / She was ready to step up to the plate and tackle the challenge head-on.
To Put it Another Way: You take responsibility and act. / You rise to meet the challenge.
34. A Journey of a Thousand Miles
Meaning: A long and challenging journey that starts with a single step.
Samples: Starting his own company was a journey of a thousand miles, but each step made the goal achievable. / The project was a journey of a thousand miles, requiring time and persistence.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a long journey, but progress starts with one step. / Every small step moves you toward a big goal.
35. Wading Through Mud
Meaning: Making slow and difficult progress, especially in a challenging situation.
Samples: The project felt like wading through mud, with one obstacle after another. / He was wading through mud, feeling like he wasn’t making any progress.
To Put it Another Way: It’s a slow and hard process. / Progress is difficult, but you keep going.
36. Crossing the Finish Line
Meaning: Reaching the end goal or achieving success after a long effort.
Samples: After years of hard work, she finally crossed the finish line and earned her degree. / The team worked tirelessly and crossed the finish line with the successful completion of the project.
To Put it Another Way: You reach the goal after persistent effort. / You achieve success after working hard for a long time.
37. Pushing Through the Fog
Meaning: Continuing forward despite confusion or difficulty.
Samples: He kept pushing through the fog of uncertainty, knowing clarity would come eventually. / She kept pushing through the fog, unsure of where the project was headed, but determined to finish.
To Put it Another Way: You keep moving forward despite confusion. / You don’t stop, even when things are unclear.
38. Holding the Torch
Meaning: Continuing a mission or responsibility, often with leadership.
Samples: As the team leader, he kept holding the torch, ensuring everyone stayed on track. / She held the torch, continuing the work her mentor had started.
To Put it Another Way: You carry on the mission or responsibility. / You lead and persist with the task at hand.
39. Turning the Corner
Meaning: Reaching a point where things improve, moving past difficulty.
Samples: After months of hardship, they finally turned the corner, and the situation started improving. / She was working hard but finally turned the corner, seeing progress in her project.
To Put it Another Way: You move past a difficult point. / Things start to improve after a rough period.
40. Making Headway
Meaning: Progressing toward a goal, even if it’s slow.
Samples: Even though the project was challenging, they were making headway, inching closer to completion. / She kept making headway in her fitness journey, improving little by little.
To Put it Another Way: You make steady progress. / You are moving toward your goal, no matter how slowly.
Find the Topics: Metaphors for Keep Going
Activity: “The Long Road to Success”
After years of working hard, Rachel finally reached the point where she felt like a rolling stone, constantly moving toward her goals without stopping. It was often like climbing the mountain, but each milestone made her stronger. She sometimes wondered if she was swimming against the current, as the obstacles seemed endless. But she had learned to keep the wheels turning, pushing forward no matter what challenges came her way.
When things got really tough, Rachel felt like she was pushing the rock uphill, but she knew that with persistence, she’d eventually see the reward. There were days she felt like treading water, doing just enough to stay afloat, but her determination never wavered. She knew that every small effort was chipping away at the problem, slowly making progress toward her bigger goal.
Rachel’s journey was often like a marathon, requiring patience and endurance, but with each step, she was closer to her dream. Eventually, she reached a point where it felt like the marathon continues, and the finish line was finally in sight. She realized that despite all the ups and downs, the journey was a never-ending journey that would continue to shape her.
Your Task:
Underline or list all 10 metaphors for keep going you found in the passage.
Answer Key
- A rolling stone
- Climbing the mountain
- Swimming against the current
- Keep the wheels turning
- Pushing the rock uphill
- Treading water
- Chipping away at the problem
- A marathon
- The marathon continues
- A never-ending journey
Conclusion
Metaphors for keep going help us understand how persistence and resilience work through different challenges. Whether it’s climbing the mountain or chipping away at the problem, these metaphors show how steady effort leads to progress, even in tough situations. Recognizing these metaphors helps us express the ongoing nature of perseverance in our journey toward success.
