English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Step up your game
Meaning
The idiom "step up your game" means to improve or increase the level of performance, quality, or effectiveness. It is often used when someone wants to encourage someone else to do better or perform at a higher level. python
- You need to step up your game if you want to get promoted at work.
- The team needs to step up their game if they want to win the championship.
- My teacher always says we need to step up our game in math class.
- We need to step up our game in terms of customer service to improve our ratings.
- The new employee is stepping up her game by taking on more responsibilities.
Usage
The usage of the idiom "step up your game" can vary depending on the context. In general, it is used to motivate someone to do better or perform at a higher level. However, it can also be used to criticize someone who is not meeting expectations. python
- You need to step up your game if you want to get promoted at work.
- The team needs to step up their game if they want to win the championship.
- My teacher always says we need to step up our game in math class.
- We need to step up our game in terms of customer service to improve our ratings.
- The new employee is stepping up her game by taking on more responsibilities.
Roots and History
The origin of the idiom "step up your game" is not entirely clear, but it has been used since at least the 1960s in the United States. It is believed to have originated from the world of sports, where athletes were encouraged to perform better by "stepping up their game." Over time, the idiom has become more commonly used in everyday language and can be applied to any situation where someone wants to improve or increase their performance.
Synonyms in English
- Raise your game
- Up your game
- Boost your performance
- Elevate your skills
- Enhance your abilities
Synonyms in other languages
- "Passer à un autre niveau" (French) - To move to a higher level
- "Steigern" (German) - To raise or increase
- "Raisar" (Swedish) - To elevate or improve
- "Ska upp nivån" (Danish) - To increase the level