# go for the gold

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/go-for-the-gold
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- You should go for the gold in this competition.
- She decided to go for the gold and applied for the most competitive internship in the city.
- Rather than settling for a modest promotion, he chose to go for the gold by launching his own ambitious startup venture.

## Origin

An allusion to the gold medal, the highest prize awarded in many major competitive events. The phrase draws its specific reference from the victory ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

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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.