Effort & Success
Piece of cake
Something that is very easy to do.
Burn the midnight oil
To work or study late into the night.
English Idioms for Effort and Success
English has many idioms for talking about hard work, persistence, achievement, and the results of sustained effort. Some describe putting in a great deal of work, while others express determination, progress, success, or finally achieving a desired result.
The Effort & Success category brings together expressions used when people work toward a goal, overcome difficulties, make progress, or succeed after putting in the necessary effort.
Idioms About Hard Work and Effort
English idioms can describe working hard, putting energy into something, making an effort, or continuing to work despite difficulties.
These expressions often convey more than the simple idea of effort. They can suggest persistence, determination, dedication, or the willingness to keep going when something is difficult.
Idioms About Achievement and Success
Other idioms focus on what happens after effort has been made: reaching a goal, achieving something important, getting a good result, or finally succeeding.
Some expressions emphasize the outcome, while others highlight the process that leads to it. Context helps determine which expression sounds most natural in a particular situation.
How Effort and Success Idioms Are Used
Idioms in this category can describe both successful and unsuccessful attempts. They may refer to persistence in the face of obstacles, gradual progress, a breakthrough, or the rewards of hard work.
Their tone can also vary. Some expressions are neutral, while others are informal, encouraging, humorous, or strongly positive. Example sentences show how these differences work in real usage.
Effort and Success Idioms in Other Languages
An English idiom about hard work or success may have a natural equivalent in Russian, Spanish, or French, but the equivalent may use a very different image.
Akcento compares idioms by meaning and usage rather than translating them word for word. This makes it possible to see how different languages describe effort, perseverance, achievement, and success in their own ways.
Explore Effort & Success Idioms
Browse the idioms in this category to discover English expressions related to hard work, persistence, progress, achievement, and success.
Frequently asked questions
What are effort and success idioms in English?
They are idiomatic expressions used to talk about hard work, persistence, progress, achievement, and reaching a desired result.
Which English idioms describe hard work?
English has idioms for working hard, making an effort, staying determined, and continuing despite difficulties. The appropriate expression depends on the context and the tone you want to convey.
Which English idioms describe success?
Success idioms can describe reaching a goal, achieving a result, overcoming difficulties, or benefiting from previous effort. Some focus on the achievement itself, while others emphasize the process behind it.
Do English idioms about effort and success have equivalents in other languages?
Often they do, but the natural equivalent may use completely different imagery. Akcento compares English idioms with natural equivalents in Russian, Spanish, and French rather than relying on literal translations.