ENGLISH
REFERENCE

go for the gold

idiom
Meaning

To attempt to achieve the maximum result or reward in an endeavour.


Origin

disputed origin

An allusion to the gold medal, the highest prize in many major competitive events, especially in the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Examples
SIMPLE

You should go for the gold in this competition.

CONTEXTUAL

She decided to go for the gold and applied for the most competitive internship in the city.

COMPLEX

Rather than settling for a modest promotion, he chose to go for the gold by launching his own ambitious startup venture.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all dressed up and nowhere to go

    Elaborately attired or otherwise fully prepared for an anticipated situation or activity which, nevertheless, fails to occur.

  2. 02

    all systems go

    Everything is ready.

  3. 03

    as you go

    While one is doing (something); as one progresses.

  4. 04

    black gold

    Raw petroleum; crude oil.

  5. 05

    boldly go where no man has gone before

    To break new ground.

  6. 06

    come and go

    To repeatedly appear and disappear; to be transient.

  7. 07

    comedy gold

    Something that is very funny or humorous.

  8. 08

    cross of gold

    A public policy which puts the interests of the rich ahead of those of the poor.

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