succeed
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if at first you don't succeed
proverb Always continue to keep trying after an initial failure or setback, since success does not usually occur immediately. A shortening of the phrase "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. A: "We spent all this time building it, and now it doesn't even work! I'm so done." B: "Oh, come on, you probably just need to make some minor adjustments. If at first you don't succeed and all that." Come on, don't get so frustrated with these setbacks. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again! This is my 18th design. Yeah, sure, "if at first you don't succeed," but I'm getting sick of failing!
if at first you don't succeed, try, try again
proverb Always continue to keep trying after an initial failure or setback, since success does not usually occur immediately. A: "We spent all this time building it, and now it doesn't even work! I'm so done." B: "Oh, come on, you probably just need to make some minor adjustments. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." Come on, don't get so frustrated with these setbacks. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again! This is my 18th design. Yeah, sure, "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again," but I'm getting sick of failing!
nothing succeeds like success
proverb Initial success provides the resources and fosters the circumstances for further success. After their surprise championship victory, the team was suddenly flooded with support from the state and went on to become a powerhouse in the region. Nothing succeeds like success, as they say.
succeed as (something)
1. To accomplish what is desired, intended, or required for some type of person or thing. The movie is undoubtedly gorgeous to look at, but without a strong narrative, it simply doesn't succeed as a thriller. You don't have to be a business genius to succeed as the manager of a company.
2. To replace someone or something in some position, role, office, etc. Our current president of marketing, Janet, is going to succeed Reggie as president and COO of the company. The eldest son will succeed him as king. The new model will succeed the P18 as the company's new flagship phone.
See also: succeed
succeed at (something)
1. To flourish, thrive, or prosper at some occupation, task, or endeavor. You've got to have a lot of dedication and commitment if you want to succeed at writing. I know that you'll succeed at anything you put your mind to.
2. To accomplish some desired, intended, or required action or task. The company has succeeded at becoming one of the most powerful in the entire country. The computer-generated effects are indeed stunning, but the film also succeeds at telling a compelling, emotionally rich story.
See also: succeed
succeed in (something)
1. To complete or accomplish something as one desires, hopes, or intends. During my time as the regional manager, I succeeded in implementing a new sales technique that quadrupled our profit in the space of two years. We succeeded in convincing the board of directors to extend our grant for another 12 months.
2. To find success in some job, role, endeavor, opportunity, etc. We have every faith that you'll succeed in the new role—we wouldn't have promoted you if we felt otherwise. Hillary's really succeeding in her new business.
See also: succeed
succeed to (something)
To take over some title, throne, or position in place of someone else as designated by the political, royal, or corporate hierarchy. The first-born son of the queen is expected to succeed to the throne upon her death. So far in the country's history, only eight people have ever succeeded to the presidency through the death or resignation of their predecessors.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Prov. You have to keep trying until you get what you want. Jill: I spent all morning trying to fix the computer, and it still won't work. Jane: If at first you don't succeed, try, try again. You'll learn that dance step eventually. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
Nothing succeeds like success.
Prov. If you have succeeded in the past, you will continue to be successful in the future. After Alan's brilliant courtroom victory, everyone wanted to be his client. Nothing succeeds like success.
succeed as something
to flourish or prosper as a type of person. I hope I succeed as a bank teller. Jamie succeeded as an investigator.
See also: succeed
succeed at something
to prosper or flourish in some task. I hope I can succeed at the task you have assigned me. I am sure you will succeed at it.
See also: succeed
succeed in something
to prosper or flourish in some position or office. I hope you succeed in your new job. We knew you would succeed in doing what you wanted to do.
See also: succeed
succeed someone as something
to take the place of someone as something; to supplant someone in something. Jeff will succeed Claude as president of the organization. You are not allowed to succeed yourself as president.
See also: succeed
succeed to something
to fall heir to something; to take something over. Carl will succeed to the throne when he is of age. Mary succeeded to the throne at the age of three months.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
if at first you don't succeed, try, try again
Don't let a first-time failure stop further attempts. For example, I know it's hard at first to shift gears without stalling but if at first you don't succeed . . . This seemingly ancient adage was first recorded only in 1840 but has become so well known that it is often shortened.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
nothing succeeds like success
success leads to opportunities for further and greater successes. proverbFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
nothing sucˌceeds like sucˈcess
(saying) success encourages you and often leads to more success: The first task the students do should be one they are likely to do well. This is because nothing succeeds like success.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
succeed in
v.
To accomplish something desired or intended: I'm sure you will succeed in your new project. They succeeded in convincing the jury of their innocence.
See also: succeed
succeed to
v.
To replace another in some office or position: The princess succeeded to the throne after her father's death and became queen.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.