# apply oneself

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/apply-oneself
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of strive: to work hard, to complete an activity with good effort and focus.

## Examples

- You will succeed if you apply yourself to your studies.
- If you really apply yourself to this project, you can finish it before the deadline.
- The professor noted that the student possessed great natural talent, yet he would only excel if he chose to apply himself with greater consistency.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.