English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Fake it till you make it
Meaning
The idiom "fake it till you make it" means to pretend or act as if something is true, especially when you are not sure or do not have the necessary skills or experience to do it for real. It implies that you will eventually learn and improve, leading to your ability to perform the task authentically.
Usage
- I may not be the best singer in the world, but I'll fake it till I make it at my friend's karaoke party.
- My new job is quite challenging, but I'm going to fake it till I make it until I get more comfortable with the tasks.
- When I first started acting, I felt like a fraud, but I faked it till I made it and now I love being on stage.
- I don't have any experience in public speaking, but I'm going to fake it till I make it at my friend's wedding toast.
- My friend is a great photographer, but I'll fake it till I make it when it comes to taking pictures at my sister's wedding. The usage of this idiom can vary depending on the context, as seen in the above examples. It can be used in informal settings, such as with friends or family, and can also apply to more formal situations like work or public speaking.
Roots and History
The earliest known use of the idiom "fake it till you make it" dates back to the 20th century. The phrase was first recorded in an advertisement for a makeup company in 1913, where they suggested using their products to "fake it till you make it" until you gain confidence and skill. Over time, the idiom has become more widely used and is now commonly associated with perseverance and self-improvement.
Synonyms in English
- Pretend to be something you're not
- Act like you know what you're doing even when you don't
- Feign expertise or experience
- Put on a front or show
- Play the part of someone else
Synonyms in other languages
- Spanish - "imitar" (to imitate)
- French - "simuler" (to simulate)
- German - "imitieren" (to imitate)
- Italian - "fare il falso" (to pretend to be someone else)
- Portuguese - "pretender a ser alguém" (to pretend to be someone else)