# make it

CEFR B1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/make-it
Updated: 2026-07-28

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He made it to become a doctor." but "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.

## Usage notes

- Intransitive; the object 'it' is part of the idiom and does not refer to a specific noun.

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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.