ENGLISH
REFERENCE

step up one's game

idiom
Meaning

To improve one's performance, or the quality of one's work.


Examples
SIMPLE

You need to step up your game to win this match.

CONTEXTUAL

The team lost the first three games, so the coach told them they must step up their game to reach the playoffs.

COMPLEX

Recognizing that his competitors had surpassed his previous innovations, the entrepreneur realized he had to step up his game to maintain his company's market position.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 04

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Last updated July 12, 2026