5 ENGLISH IDIOMS ABOUT SUCCESS

We present to you the most commonly used idioms in English about feelings and emotions. This article introduces five idioms about success.

This article introduces five idioms about success. You will find an explanation of each idiom, as well as examples to illustrate its meaning. By using idioms, you can make your English speech more interesting.

 

 

WITH FLYING COLORS

Triumphantly; victoriously

  1. We weren’t sure how the boys would do in their exams, but they passed with flying colors.
  2. You look so nervous, but I know you can do it. Don’t worry; you’ll sail through with flying colors.

Large ships often sailed into ports with their flags (colors) raised and flying in the wind. This image of glory and victory was eventually extended to any event through which one became triumphant.

 

IN THE PINK

In good health or good condition

  1. After several days in the hospital, Paul wanted to go home. He told the doctor he was feeling in the pink and there was no reason for him to stay any longer.
  2. I always get my car serviced on time. That way it stays in the pink and I don’t have to worry about it breaking down.

Antonym: under the weather

In the pink can be applied to both people and things. The expression probably originates from the idea that a healthy person’s complexion is described as pink, while a sick person’s skin is pale and chalky.

 

DRESSED TO KILL

Dressed to make a strong impression, usually in fancy or stylish clothes

  1. I was very embarrassed when I walked into the party thinking it was informal and found that everyone except me was dressed to kill.
  2. Marjorie wanted to make a lasting impression on John. When he arrived to take her out, she was dressed to kill.

 

LIVE IN THE LAP OF LUXURY

To be very comfortable because one is well-off financially

  1. Because she was the richest movie star in the business, she had a magnificent house, servants, cars and clothes. She was living in the lap of luxury.
  2. If this business deal succeeds, we’ll never have to worry about money again. We’ll be living in the lap of luxury.

 

ROLL OUT THE RED CARPET (THE RED-CARPET TREATMENT)

To give someone the best treatment and show them the finest hospitality

  1. The businessmen were given the red-carpet treatment by the small town in the hopes that they would decide it was a good place to build a factory.
  2. Please don’t go to any trouble for us when we come to visit. You don’t need to roll out the red carpet.

The expression originates from the practice in which, when famous or important people are received, a red carpet is often laid for them to walk on from their carriage or car to the building they will enter. When someone is given the red-carpet treatment, he or she is treated like an extra-special person.

 

After the book «In the Loop: A Reference Guide to American English Idioms»

 

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