English Reference

Phrasal verb

eagle up

Definition

phrasal verb. to improve your performance or attitude to reach a higher level of success. You use this when you want someone to stop being average and start being excellent.

phrasal verb. to elevate one's performance, perspective, or professional standards to a superior level. The verb is intransitive and functions as a motivational imperative in corporate or self-help contexts to encourage excellence over mediocrity.

Examples

“You need to eagle up if you want that promotion.”

“After a month of low sales, the manager told the team it was time to eagle up and hit their targets.”

“The CEO’s keynote address challenged every employee to eagle up, transcending petty office politics to focus on the company’s long-term vision for global expansion.”

Examples

simple

“You need to eagle up if you want that promotion.”

contextual

“After a month of low sales, the manager told the team it was time to eagle up and hit their targets.”

complex

“The CEO’s keynote address challenged every employee to eagle up, transcending petty office politics to focus on the company’s long-term vision for global expansion.”

Usage

This is a niche motivational term used mostly in American business contexts or corporate jargon.

Teaching tip

Contrast this with 'step up' to show how specific metaphors—like the eagle's height and vision—are used to create new phrasal verbs in corporate environments.

Phrasal verb

Particles

up

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

eagle + up

Synonyms

step uplevel upexcelimprove

Antonyms

slackenunderperformcoast

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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English Reference