20 Idioms Related to Milestones

20 Idioms Related to Milestones (With Meanings & Natural Examples)

Idioms related to milestones

Learning how to talk about milestones and achievements in English can significantly improve your speaking and writing skills. In this lesson, you will discover 20 idioms related to milestones, success, and turning points — complete with meanings and natural examples for B2 First and C1 Advanced exam preparation.

Life isn’t just a sequence of days — it’s a series of turning points.

Graduating from university. Starting a new job. Recovering after failure. Taking a risk. Making a life-changing decision.

English is full of vivid idioms that help us talk about these milestones in a natural, expressive way. If you’re preparing for B2 First or C1 Advanced, using these idioms appropriately can make your speaking and writing more engaging and memorable.

Let’s explore 20 powerful idioms related to milestones, achievements, and life transitions.

Achievement & Success

A feather in one’s cap

Meaning: an achievement to be proud of.

Winning the national scholarship was a real feather in her cap.

Break new ground

Meaning: to do something innovative or pioneering.

The research team broke new ground with their climate study.

Hit the jackpot

Meaning: achieve great or unexpected success.

After years of effort, his business finally hit the jackpot.

Pass with flying colours

Meaning: succeed brilliantly.

She passed her driving test with flying colours.

Make great strides

Meaning: make significant progress.

The company has made great strides in digital development.

The sky’s the limit

Meaning: there is no limit to potential success.

With your determination, the sky’s the limit.

Change & Turning Points

Mark a turning point

Meaning: signal a major change in direction.

Moving abroad marked a turning point in his career.

Turn over a new leaf

Meaning: start fresh and improve one’s behaviour.

After the accident, he turned over a new leaf.

At a crossroads

Meaning: at a point where an important decision must be made.

She found herself at a crossroads after graduation.

Hit the ground running

Meaning: start something with immediate energy and enthusiasm.

He hit the ground running in his new role.

Up and running

Meaning: fully operational.

The new business is finally up and running.

Idioms related to milestones

Challenges & Critical Moments

Baptism of fire

Meaning: a very difficult first experience.

Her first week as a teacher was a baptism of fire.

Make or break

Meaning: decisive; determining success or failure.

The next quarter will be make or break for the company.

The moment of truth

Meaning: the time when a crucial decision or result appears.

When the exam results were released, it was the moment of truth.

Reach the end of the road

Meaning: come to the end of a journey or phase.

After years of trying, they realised they had reached the end of the road.

Progress & Hope

Come a long way

Meaning: make considerable progress.

She has come a long way since her first day at university.

Light at the end of the tunnel

Meaning: a sign that a difficult situation is improving.

After months of treatment, he finally saw light at the end of the tunnel.

Cross that bridge when you come to it

Meaning: deal with a problem when it arises.

We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Social & Career Milestones

Break the ice

Meaning: reduce tension and begin interaction.

He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.

Jump on the bandwagon

Meaning: join a popular trend.

Many companies jumped on the sustainability bandwagon.

Cambridge Exam Tip

Idioms can boost your vocabulary score — but only if used naturally.

✔ Use them in stories and informal reviews.

✔ Use carefully in essays (avoid sounding exaggerated).

✔ Avoid overusing them in formal reports.

Example upgrade:

Instead of:

Moving abroad changed her life.

Write:

Moving abroad marked a turning point in her life.

That’s vocabulary range.

Why These Idioms Matter

They help you:

Describe achievements clearly
Talk about personal growth
Explain change and progress
Add emotional depth to writing
Sound more fluent in speaking tasks

Milestones define our lives — and these idioms help you describe them powerfully.

FAQ

What are idioms related to milestones?

They are expressions used to describe achievements, turning points, and major life events, such as “pass with flying colours” or “mark a turning point.”

Are idioms useful in Cambridge exams?

Yes, when used naturally and appropriately, idioms can improve your vocabulary score.

Should I use idioms in formal writing?

Use them carefully. They are best suited for stories and informal tasks rather than formal reports.