Top 23 Slang For Success – Meaning & Usage

Success is a universal goal, but what does it take to achieve it? In this listicle, we’ve curated a collection of the top “slang for success” that will not only inspire you but also give you the tools you need to reach your goals. From motivational phrases to powerful mantras, we’ve got you covered. Get ready to level up and embrace the language of success!

Click above to generate some slangs

1. Riding high

When someone is “riding high,” it means they are experiencing a period of great success or achievement. This phrase is often used to describe someone who is on top of the world and feeling confident in their accomplishments.

For example, a person might say, “After winning the championship, I’m really riding high right now.”
In a business context, someone might say, “Our company is riding high after a successful IPO.”
A friend might congratulate you by saying, “You’re really riding high with all your recent promotions!”

2. Top dog

Being the “top dog” means being the most successful or dominant person or entity in a particular field or situation. This term is often used to describe someone who is at the pinnacle of their success and has surpassed all others.

For instance, a coach might say, “Our team is the top dog in the league this season.”
In a competitive industry, someone might say, “Our company is the top dog when it comes to innovation.”
A friend might compliment you by saying, “You’re the top dog in your field with all your accomplishments!”

3. Weather the storm

When someone is able to “weather the storm,” it means they are able to successfully endure and overcome a difficult situation or period of adversity. This phrase often implies resilience and the ability to stay strong in the face of challenges.

For example, a person might say, “Despite the economic downturn, our business was able to weather the storm.”
In a personal context, someone might say, “I’ve been through tough times before, but I always manage to weather the storm.”
A friend might offer support by saying, “You’re strong enough to weather any storm that comes your way!”

4. Have the world at your feet

When someone has “the world at their feet,” it means they have complete control or power over their circumstances and are able to achieve great success. This phrase often implies a sense of unlimited potential and the ability to accomplish anything.

For instance, a motivational speaker might say, “With hard work and determination, you can have the world at your feet.”
In a career context, someone might say, “After years of dedication, I finally have the world at my feet.”
A friend might encourage you by saying, “Don’t give up! You have the world at your feet and can accomplish anything you set your mind to!”

5. Have the world by the tail

When someone has “the world by the tail,” it means they have complete control or mastery over their circumstances and are able to achieve great success. This phrase often implies a sense of confidence and the ability to effortlessly navigate through life.

For example, a person might say, “I feel like I have the world by the tail right now, everything is going my way.”
In a personal context, someone might say, “After overcoming many obstacles, I finally have the world by the tail.”
A friend might congratulate you by saying, “You’ve worked hard and now you have the world by the tail! Keep up the great work!”

6. Killing it

This phrase is used to describe someone who is doing extremely well or achieving great success in a particular area. It is often used to express admiration or praise for someone’s accomplishments.

For example, “She’s killing it in her new job. She’s already been promoted twice in a year.”
A person might say, “I aced all my exams this semester. I’m really killing it academically.”
In a sports context, someone might say, “Our team is killing it this season. We’ve won every game so far.”

7. Crushing it

Similar to “killing it,” this phrase is used to describe someone who is excelling or dominating in their field or area of expertise. It conveys a sense of confidence and success.

For instance, “He’s been crushing it in the stock market. His investments have been consistently profitable.”
A person might say, “I’ve been working out regularly and eating healthy. I feel like I’m really crushing it in terms of my fitness goals.”
In a creative context, someone might say, “She’s been releasing hit after hit. She’s definitely crushing it in the music industry.”

8. Nailing it

This phrase is used to describe someone who is succeeding or accomplishing something perfectly. It implies that the person is doing a task exceptionally well or achieving success with ease.

For example, “She nailed the presentation. Her delivery was flawless and she answered all the questions confidently.”
A person might say, “I’ve been practicing this song for weeks and I finally nailed it during the performance.”
In a cooking context, someone might say, “I followed the recipe exactly and the dish turned out amazing. I really nailed it this time.”

9. Balling

This term is used to describe someone who is experiencing great success or wealth. It can refer to someone who is financially prosperous or someone who is excelling in their chosen field.

For instance, “He just bought a luxury car and a mansion. He’s really balling right now.”
A person might say, “I got a promotion and a huge raise. I’m definitely balling at work.”
In a sports context, someone might say, “He’s been scoring goals left and right. He’s really balling on the soccer field.”

10. On top of the world

This phrase is used to describe someone who is feeling extremely successful and happy. It conveys a sense of being at the pinnacle of one’s achievements or experiencing a high level of satisfaction.

For example, “After winning the championship, she felt on top of the world.”
A person might say, “I just got accepted into my dream college. I’m on top of the world right now.”
In a personal context, someone might say, “Everything is going well in my life right now. I feel on top of the world.”

11. Making it big

This phrase is used to describe someone who has achieved significant success or accomplished something impressive in their career or personal life.

For example, “After years of hard work, she finally made it big in the music industry.”
A person might say, “I dream of making it big and becoming a successful entrepreneur.”
In a discussion about successful actors, someone might mention, “Many child actors dream of making it big in Hollywood.”

12. Making bank

This phrase is used to describe someone who is earning a substantial amount of money, often through their job or business.

For instance, “He’s making bank as a successful lawyer.”
A person might say, “I’m working hard to make bank and achieve financial stability.”
In a conversation about successful entrepreneurs, someone might say, “They started from nothing and now they’re making bank with their own business.”

13. Raking it in

This phrase is used to describe someone who is earning a significant amount of money, often in a short period of time.

For example, “He’s raking it in with his new business venture.”
A person might say, “I need to find a way to start raking it in and improve my financial situation.”
In a discussion about successful salespeople, someone might mention, “They’re raking it in with their impressive sales numbers.”

14. Climbing the ladder

This phrase is used to describe someone who is progressing or advancing in their career, often by moving up to higher positions or gaining more responsibilities.

For instance, “She’s been climbing the ladder at her company and is now a senior manager.”
A person might say, “I’m focused on climbing the ladder and reaching the top of my profession.”
In a conversation about career development, someone might mention, “Climbing the ladder requires hard work, dedication, and networking.”

15. Hitting the jackpot

This phrase is used to describe someone who has achieved a significant level of success or has had a stroke of great luck, often resulting in a substantial reward or positive outcome.

For example, “He hit the jackpot with his latest business venture and made millions.”
A person might say, “I hope to hit the jackpot and achieve my financial goals.”
In a discussion about successful investments, someone might mention, “They hit the jackpot with that stock purchase and made a fortune.”

16. Big shot

This term refers to someone who is powerful, successful, or has a lot of authority in a particular field. It can also be used sarcastically to describe someone who thinks they are more important than they actually are.

For example, “He’s a big shot in the tech industry and everyone looks up to him.”
In a conversation about business, someone might say, “I need to impress the big shots at the meeting tomorrow.”
On the other hand, someone might say, “He acts like a big shot, but he’s really just a small-time manager.”

17. Nailed it

This phrase is used to express that someone has done something perfectly or with great success. It can be used in various contexts, such as completing a task successfully, making a great impression, or delivering a flawless performance.

For instance, after acing a test, someone might say, “Nailed it!”
When someone completes a difficult puzzle, they might exclaim, “I nailed it!”
A comedian might use the phrase after delivering a particularly funny punchline, saying, “Boom! Nailed it!”

18. Cashing in

This slang phrase is used to describe the act of making money or gaining an advantage from a particular situation or opportunity. It can also refer to taking advantage of a favorable circumstance.

For example, “He’s really cashing in on his investment in the stock market.”
In a discussion about a successful business, someone might say, “They’re really cashing in on the current trend.”
A person might use the phrase to describe getting a promotion and a raise, saying, “I’m finally cashing in on all my hard work.”

19. Acing it

This phrase is used to describe someone who is performing at a high level or achieving great success in a particular task or endeavor. It can be used in various contexts, such as acing a test, acing a job interview, or acing a performance.

For instance, after receiving a perfect score on an exam, someone might say, “I aced it!”
When someone gives a flawless presentation, they might be praised with, “You really aced it!”
A sports commentator might say, “He’s acing it on the tennis court today, dominating his opponent.”

20. Power move

This term is used to describe a bold or strategic action taken by someone to gain an advantage or assert their authority in a particular situation. It often implies a calculated and confident move that can lead to success or influence.

For example, “His decision to invest in that company was a real power move.”
In a discussion about negotiations, someone might say, “Walking away from the deal was a power move that put them in a stronger position.”
A person might describe a CEO’s decision to fire an underperforming employee as a power move, saying, “She’s not afraid to make power moves to ensure the company’s success.”

21. Golden touch

Refers to someone who has a knack for achieving success in whatever they do. It implies that they have a special talent or skill that allows them to consistently achieve positive outcomes.

For example, “She has the golden touch when it comes to investing in the stock market.”
In a discussion about successful entrepreneurs, someone might say, “Steve Jobs had the golden touch when it came to creating innovative products.”
A sports commentator might say, “LeBron James seems to have the golden touch on the basketball court.”

22. Hitting it big

This phrase is used to describe someone who has achieved significant success or made a large amount of money. It suggests that they have reached a level of success that is beyond what is typically expected.

For instance, “After years of hard work, she finally hit it big with her latest book.”
In a discussion about lottery winners, someone might say, “They really hit it big with that jackpot.”
A person might say, “I’m hoping to hit it big with my new business venture.”

23. High roller

Refers to a person who is known for spending large amounts of money and enjoying a lavish lifestyle. It suggests that they have significant financial resources and are willing to take risks to achieve their desired lifestyle.

For example, “He’s a high roller at the casino, always betting big and living large.”
In a discussion about luxury travel, someone might say, “High rollers often stay in the most exclusive hotels and resorts.”
A person might say, “I wish I could live like a high roller and travel the world in style.”