23 Idioms Related to Motivation

23 Idioms Related to Motivation

23 Idioms Related to Motivation

Hello, dear English learners! We all have days when we jump out of bed feeling unstoppable… and others when even making a cup of tea feels like hard work. That’s perfectly normal — motivation comes and goes, just like the weather. In today’s lesson, we’re looking at 23 idioms related to motivation. These expressions will help you speak more naturally, express yourself more confidently, and impress your Cambridge B2 First and C1 Advanced examiners.

Let’s explore the language we use to talk about ambition, determination, and getting things done. Hopefully, these idioms will give you a little motivational boost along the way.

Get the ball rolling

Meaning: Start something; begin a process.

• Let’s get the ball rolling and sketch out the first ideas for the project.

Give it your best shot

Meaning: Do something to the best of your ability.

• The task looks challenging, but just give it your best shot and see what happens.

Go the extra mile

Meaning: Make more effort than expected.

• Sandra always goes the extra mile for her clients, and they appreciate it.

Keep your chin up

Meaning: Stay positive in difficult situations.

• Keep your chin up — setbacks happen, but they don’t let them define you.

Stick to your guns

Meaning: Stay firm in your decision or belief, even when others disagree.

• He stuck to his guns and continued working on his idea, even when people doubted him.

Pull yourself together

Meaning: Regain control of your emotions and refocus. 23 Idioms Related to Motivation

• Take a deep breath, pull yourself together, and try again. You can do this.

Light a fire under someone

Meaning: Motivate someone to take action quickly.

• The approaching deadline really lit a fire under the whole team.

Get your act together

Meaning: Start behaving or working in a more organised way.

• I need to get my act together and revise more regularly.

Keep pushing / Keep at it

Meaning: Continue working hard and don’t give up.

• Keep pushing — progress often happens when you least expect it.

Break new ground

Meaning: Do something innovative or different.

• Their research broke new ground and opened up exciting possibilities.

Put your heart into something

Meaning: Do something with passion, care, and energy.

• She puts her heart into everything she teaches, and it shows.

Push yourself

Meaning: Challenge yourself to work harder or go further.

• Peter pushed himself to complete the marathon, even when he felt exhausted.

Rise to the occasion

Meaning: Perform well when you’re under pressure. 23 Idioms Related to Motivation

• When the exam started, Mary rose to the occasion and did brilliantly.

Take the bull by the horns

Meaning: Deal with a difficult situation directly and confidently.

• He finally took the bull by the horns and applied for the job he really wanted.

Stay the course

Meaning: Continue doing something until the end, even when it gets tough.

• If you stay the course, all your hard work will eventually pay off.

Hit the ground running

Meaning: Start something with energy, enthusiasm, and effectiveness.

• The new team members hit the ground running from day one.

Burn the midnight oil

Meaning: Work late into the night.

• She burned the midnight oil preparing for her final presentation.

On the right track

Meaning: Doing something correctly; moving in the right direction.

• Keep practising your vocabulary — you’re definitely on the right track.

Keep your eyes on the prize

Meaning: Stay focused on your long-term goal.

• Ignore the distractions and keep your eyes on the prize.

The sky’s the limit

Meaning: There is no limit to what you can achieve.

• With dedication and patience, the sky’s the limit.

Don’t throw in the towel

Meaning: Don’t give up. 23 Idioms Related to Motivation

• Even if it feels difficult now, don’t throw in the towel.

Pull out all the stops

Meaning: Make as much effort as possible to achieve something.

• They pulled out all the stops to win the competition.

Fire on all cylinders

Meaning: Work at full speed and with maximum efficiency.

• The team is firing on all cylinders this week — it’s great to see!

Motivation is something we all have to nurture from time to time, and having the right vocabulary can help you express how you feel, what drives you, and how you encourage others. Try adding a few of these idioms to your next piece of writing or daily conversation — they’ll bring colour, confidence, and a touch of natural English rhythm.

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