Welcome to our blog! Today, we’re exploring fun idioms that revolve around the theme of motivation. Idioms are phrases that mean something different from the actual words they use. They make our conversations interesting and can teach us a lot about a culture’s values and beliefs. Even if you’re young or new to English, you’ll find these idioms easy to understand and fun to use!
Motivation Idioms
Here are 20 motivation idioms in English.
1. Light a fire under someone
Meaning: Motivate someone to act quickly
Example: The coach lit a fire under the players at halftime.
2. Get the ball rolling
Meaning: Start something
Example: Let’s get the ball rolling on this project.
3. Go the extra mile
Meaning: Do more than is expected
Example: She always goes the extra mile with her studies.
4. Push the envelope
Meaning: Go beyond the usual limits
Example: He’s pushing the envelope with his art.
5. Raise the bar
Meaning: Set a higher standard
Example: This year, we need to raise the bar academically.
6. Set the wheels in motion
Meaning: Start a process
Example: It’s time to set the wheels in motion for the event.
7. Take the bull by the horns
Meaning: Handle a problem directly
Example: She took the bull by the horns and solved the issue.
8. Up the ante
Meaning: Increase what’s at stake
Example: We need to up the ante to compete.
9. No pain, no gain
Meaning: Effort is necessary for success
Example: Remember, no pain, no gain in training!
10. Bite the bullet
Meaning: Face a difficult situation
Example: I bit the bullet and did my homework.
11. Kick into gear
Meaning: Start working effectively
Example: I need to kick into gear to finish on time.
12. Pull oneself together
Meaning: Recover control over oneself
Example: He pulled himself together and apologized.
13. Shoot for the stars
Meaning: Aim for a very high goal
Example: Always shoot for the stars, you’ll reach high!
14. On the ball
Meaning: Being alert and efficient
Example: She’s really on the ball with her responses.
15. Hit the ground running
Meaning: Start something energetically
Example: He hit the ground running on his first day.
16. Fire on all cylinders
Meaning: To work energetically and effectively
Example: The team was firing on all cylinders today.
17. Burn the midnight oil
Meaning: Work late into the night
Example: We burned the midnight oil during exams.
18. Keep the momentum going
Meaning: Continue moving forward energetically
Example: We must keep the momentum going!
19. Step up to the plate
Meaning: Take responsibility for doing something
Example: It’s time to step up to the plate and lead.
20. Seize the day
Meaning: Take advantage of the present moment
Example: Seize the day and start your adventure!
