Ride high

Meaning

The idiom "ride high" means to be successful or prosperous, to have a lot of money or material possessions, or to be in a position of power or authority. The phrase is derived from the literal meaning of riding a horse on its hind legs, which symbolizes strength and dominance. In contemporary language, the idiom is often used figuratively to describe someone who is doing well in life.

Usage

• After his successful career in finance, John was able to retire early and ride high in luxury for the rest of his days.
• The company's stock prices have been steadily climbing, allowing its investors to ride high on its success.
• As the CEO of a multinational corporation, Sarah has the power to make decisions that will propel her company to new heights.
• Despite facing numerous challenges in his personal life, Michael was able to rise above them and continue riding high in his career.
• The city's growing economy has allowed it to invest in infrastructure projects, paving the way for a brighter future and allowing its residents to ride high on prosperity.

Roots and History

The idiom "ride high" dates back to at least the 17th century, with its earliest known use appearing in a collection of proverbs by John Heywood in 1546. Over time, the idiom has evolved to take on a more metaphorical meaning, reflecting changes in language and cultural values.

Synonyms in English

• "do well"
• "succeed"
• "prosper"
• "thrive"
• "reach new heights"

Synonyms in other languages

• French: "être en haut du monde" (to be on top of the world)
• Spanish: "llegar lejos" (to reach far)
• German: "erhöhen und erstrecken" (to raise and extend)
• Italian: "andare in cima" (to go to the top)
• Japanese: "高い位置に立つ" (to stand at a high place)

Similar Idioms

• ray of sunshine

• alive and kicking

• on a roll