Graduations are special days that mark the end of one chapter and the start of another. Just like this important event, there are many phrases, or idioms, that use the word “graduation” or the idea of graduating to describe different situations in life. Let’s explore some of these graduation idioms that make our language so colorful and fun!
Graduation Idioms
Here are 20 graduation idioms in English.
1. Cap and gown
Meaning: Relating to graduation ceremonies.
Example: She wore her cap and gown proudly.
2. Move the tassel
Meaning: Complete a graduation ceremony.
Example: He moved the tassel and cheered.
3. Step into the world
Meaning: Graduate and begin life’s journey.
Example: She’s ready to step into the world.
4. Toss the cap
Meaning: Celebrate graduation success.
Example: They tossed their caps high.
5. Get one’s degree
Meaning: To graduate from college.
Example: He finally got his degree.
6. Top of the class
Meaning: Graduating with highest honors.
Example: She was top of the class.
7. Turn the page
Meaning: Move on to a new chapter.
Example: Graduation helps us turn the page.
8. Make the grade
Meaning: Succeed in passing.
Example: She really made the grade.
9. Cross the stage
Meaning: Walk at graduation.
Example: He crossed the stage with pride.
10. Earn one’s stripes
Meaning: Gain experience or qualification.
Example: She earned her stripes with hard work.
11. Start a new leaf
Meaning: Begin a new phase of life.
Example: Graduation is starting a new leaf.
12. The school of life
Meaning: Learning from real experiences.
Example: Now he enters the school of life.
13. Climb the academic ladder
Meaning: Progress through education levels.
Example: She climbed the academic ladder successfully.
14. Graduate with flying colors
Meaning: Complete something with great success.
Example: He graduated with flying colors.
15. Master the art
Meaning: Become very skilled in an area.
Example: She mastered the art of engineering.
16. Diploma in hand
Meaning: Having successfully graduated.
Example: With diploma in hand, she smiled.
17. Follow one’s class
Meaning: Continue with one’s graduating peers.
Example: He followed his class to the reunion.
18. Leap into the future
Meaning: Embrace future opportunities boldly.
Example: Graduation is a leap into the future.
19. The final bell
Meaning: End of the school journey.
Example: The final bell rang joyously.
20. Hit the books
Meaning: Study hard (usually before graduating).
Example: She hit the books all night.
