# eagle up

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/eagle-up
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.