Word
make it
Definition
v. to succeed in being or doing something, or to arrive at a place in time. You often use this when a task was difficult or when you were in a hurry.
v. to achieve success in a specific endeavour or to arrive at a destination or event as planned. This idiomatic expression often implies overcoming obstacles or time constraints.
Examples
“I ran to the station and managed to make it just in time.”
“Despite the heavy snow and traffic delays, the entire team managed to make it to the conference before the keynote speech.”
“Very few startups actually make it past their first year, but those that do often possess a clear vision and resilient leadership.”
Examples
simple
“I ran to the station and managed to make it just in time.”
contextual
“Despite the heavy snow and traffic delays, the entire team managed to make it to the conference before the keynote speech.”
complex
“Very few startups actually make it past their first year, but those that do often possess a clear vision and resilient leadership.”
Usage
Intransitive; the object 'it' is part of the idiom and does not refer to a specific noun.
Pitfall
He made it to become a doctor.
He made it as a doctor.
When referring to a career success, 'make it' is followed by 'as' plus a noun, not an infinitive verb.
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/make-it