21 Entrepreneur & Startup Idioms for Success
Hey there! 👋
Have you ever been in a startup meeting and heard phrases like “get the ball rolling” or “pivot the business” and thought, “What does that really mean?”
You’re definitely not alone. 😁
That’s exactly why I’ve created this hub page for startup idioms for success.
It brings together the expressions my students ask about most.
Each idiom includes:
- a clear explanation
- a realistic example
- a quiz to help you practice
- a link to a full idiom page
These Startup Idioms for Success are used all the time when entrepreneurs talk about:
- launching ideas
- scaling fast
- taking risks
- building momentum
Once you understand them, startup conversations become much better.
You’ll follow discussions with far more confidence.
You can use this page as:
- a reference
- a place to explore the idioms below
- A resource to understand startup language and entrepreneurial conversations more naturally in English.
Happy learning, and I hope to see you in the next lesson!
Teacher Rob 🙋♂️
🚀 Getting Started & Taking the Leap
Meaning: To do something new or different that is challenging.
Example: Starting a business requires stepping outside your comfort zone and taking risks.
Meaning: Make a bold decision or commitment.
Example: After years of planning, the entrepreneur finally took the plunge and launched their startup.
Meaning: To start doing something with great enthusiasm and commitment.
Example: The founders dove headfirst into their new venture, working long hours to get it off the ground.
Meaning: To start doing something with full commitment.
Example: The startup jumped in with both feet, investing heavily in marketing and sales.
Meaning: To follow a trend or popular activity.
Example: Many entrepreneurs jumped on the bandwagon of the tech startup boom.
💪 Hard Work, Commitment & Momentum
Meaning: To get to work and start doing something.
Example: The team rolled up their sleeves and worked tirelessly to develop the new product.
Meaning: To make a special effort to achieve something.
Example: The startup went the extra mile to provide excellent customer service.
Meaning: To be passionate about something and give it your best effort.
Example: The entrepreneurs put their hearts into their startup.
Meaning: To be put in a difficult situation suddenly.
Example: The young entrepreneur was thrown in at the deep end when their co-founder quit.
Meaning: Become more popular or successful.
Example: The startup gained traction after positive customer feedback.
📈 Growth, Success & Big Wins
Meaning: Expand a business or operation.
Example: After launch, the startup focused on scaling up.
Meaning: A complete success.
Example: The startup’s IPO was a home run.
Meaning: Make a lot of money.
Example: The founders cashed in after a successful exit.
Meaning: A company or individual that challenges the status quo.
Example: The startup aimed to be a disruptor in its industry.
Meaning: Exploit a situation for maximum benefit.
Example: The startup milked its early success.
⚠️ Risks, Mistakes & Failure
Meaning: Take a risky or dangerous action.
Example: Entering a crowded market is like playing with fire.
Meaning: A project that drains money without returns.
Example: The new product became a money pit.
Meaning: A complete failure.
Example: The marketing campaign was a flop.
Meaning: A hopeless situation with no way forward.
Example: The startup hit a dead end after funding fell through.
Meaning: A costly and unprofitable project.
Example: The oversized office was a white elephant.
Meaning: A pointless or fruitless pursuit.
Example: Competing in a saturated market became a wild goose chase.
Did you get 100%?
There you go – a practical collection of 20 Startup Idioms for Success you can start recognising and using right away.
You’ll soon notice these idioms in pitch meetings, founder chats, investor updates, and growth discussions. Now you’ll understand exactly what they mean and how to use them naturally.
Which one stood out to you the most? My personal favourite is “play with fire” because it shows the danger of taking risks. Let me know your favourite in the comments below. I always enjoy hearing from you.
Want to keep learning? Explore our other idiom guides covering entrepreneurship, innovation, business strategy, and growth.
👉 Visit my A-Z idiom category page to see more.
Happy learning,
Teacher Rob 🙋♂️
Need help learning the idioms?
Check out my 👉 Best Way to Learn Idioms Quickly Page
ℹ️ Other Useful Pages
📚 Learning Resources
👉 Business English Idioms List
👥 Support Spaces
👉 Student Space
👉 Tutor Toolkit
⭐️ Extras
📫 Get a Daily Idiom
We hope you enjoyed our Startup Idioms For Success.
