This lesson trains 28 C2 idioms on Success. Idioms signal fluency when used naturally — forcing them into every sentence hurts your score. Practise in the runner first, then revisit every expression in the glossary. Review mode after completion shows how each idiom fits its context.
Crème de la crème
The very best of a group.
Only the top graduates were invited to the exclusive program.
It's all systems go
Everything is ready and the activity can begin immediately.
After final checks, the launch team confirmed that all equipment and personnel were prepared.
Get a foot in the door
To achieve an initial small success that may lead to greater opportunities.
The internship gave her the chance to prove herself and possibly get a permanent position.
Be an old hand at sth
To be very experienced at something.
She had been teaching for more than twenty years.
Fall into your lap
To be received without any effort.
The unexpected inheritance came as a complete surprise.
A last-ditch attempt
A final, desperate effort to achieve something when all else has failed.
With only hours left before the deadline, the team made one final effort to fix the software bug.
Come into your own
To begin to perform well or be recognized after a period of difficulty.
After years of small roles, the actor finally received the leading part he deserved.
Be hard pressed to
To find it very difficult to do something.
Even the experts found it almost impossible to explain the new theory.
Help sb no end
To be extremely helpful to someone.
The extra training course improved her skills dramatically.
A lot of ground to make up
A large amount of progress that still needs to be achieved.
The team was behind schedule and needed to work faster.
A flash in the pan
Something that is successful for a short time but does not last.
The singer's first hit was popular but he never had another success.
Drop into your lap
To be received without any effort.
The unexpected inheritance came as a complete surprise.
Beyond your wildest dreams
Much better or more successful than one could have imagined.
The small startup grew into a global company within five years.
Know sth inside out
To know something completely.
She had studied the manual so thoroughly that she could answer any question.
Get the all-clear
To receive official confirmation that there is no danger or problem.
After the final safety inspection, the construction site was approved for reopening.
Not have a cat in hell's chance
To have no chance at all of success.
With the current economic conditions, the small business had almost no hope of surviving.
Self-made man
A person who has become successful through their own efforts.
The billionaire had started with nothing and built his empire alone.
Make a name for
To become well known or famous for something.
The young designer quickly gained recognition for her innovative work.
Come up trumps
To achieve an unexpectedly good result.
Despite low expectations, the small team won the contract against much larger competitors.
You have to hand it to sb
Used to say that someone deserves praise for what they have done.
Even his rivals admitted that he had done an excellent job.
Nothing ventured, nothing gained.
You cannot achieve anything if you do not take risks.
She decided to apply for the job even though she thought she was not qualified enough.
The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Important or powerful people suffer more when they fail.
The once-dominant tech giant lost billions after the scandal.
Beat sb hands down
To defeat someone easily and without doubt.
The young chess player defeated the experienced champion without losing a single game.
No pain no gain
You must work hard and suffer to achieve success.
The athlete trained every day even when it was difficult.
Hold your own
To be able to compete or manage successfully.
Even though he was the youngest in the group, he performed as well as the others.
Can't cut the mustard
To be unable to do something properly.
The new apprentice was enthusiastic but lacked the necessary skills for the complex tasks.
A fighting chance
A reasonable possibility of success if one tries hard.
With the new investment, the struggling company now had a real opportunity to survive.
Off your hands
No longer your responsibility.
Once the paperwork was signed the problem was no longer hers to solve.