apply oneself: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘apply oneself’ mean?
The idiom "apply oneself" means to make an effort and focus on a task or goal with dedication and concentration.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom *put one's mind to it* means to concentrate or focus one's thoughts and efforts on a particular task or goal.
The idiom "eyes on the prize" means to keep one's focus and attention on achieving a goal or desired outcome in order to be successful.
Eyes on the prize is an idiom that originated in the United States during the mid-20th century. It is a metaphorical expression used to encourage focus and determination towards achieving a desired goal. The idiom emphasizes the importance of keeping one's attention fixed on the ultimate objective, even when faced with obstacles or distractions.
The idiom "expose oneself" means to reveal or make known something that was previously hidden or secret, often in an embarrassing or vulnerable way.
The idiom "do well for oneself" means to be successful or prosperous in one's personal or professional life.
The idiom "do well for oneself" is commonly used in English-speaking countries, including the United States. It is an idiomatic expression that originated from the combination of the words "do," "well," and "oneself."
The idiom "do-or-die" means that a situation requires full commitment and determination. It suggests that failure is not an option and that one must give their utmost effort to succeed.
The idiom "do one's utmost" means to put in maximum effort or do everything possible to achieve a goal.
"Do one's own thing" means to pursue one's own interests or activities without concern for others' opinions or conforming to societal norms.
The idiom "do one's own thing" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It means to pursue your own interests, follow your own desires, or behave in a way that is true to yourself. This phrase emphasizes individuality, independence, and nonconformity.
The idiom "do one's damnedest" means to put forth maximum effort or try one's hardest, often in extremely difficult or challenging circumstances.
Unleashing Potential
The idioms "put one's mind to it", "give one's all", and "do one's utmost" are closely related to the idiom "apply oneself." These idioms share a similar theme of dedicating one's attention, effort, and energy to accomplish a specific goal or task.
When we say someone is "putting their mind to it," we imply that they are focusing their thoughts and mental abilities on a particular objective. This idiom emphasizes the importance of mental engagement and concentration in achieving success. It encourages individuals to direct their thoughts and cognitive abilities towards the task at hand.
Similarly, the expression "giving one's all" suggests a complete and wholehearted commitment to a task or goal. It implies that the person is putting in maximum effort and leaving nothing behind. This idiom emphasizes the importance of dedicating all of one's resources, whether physical, mental, or emotional, to achieve the desired outcome.
"Doing one's utmost" is another idiom that conveys the idea of giving one's maximum effort. It implies going above and beyond what is expected or required. When someone is said to be doing their utmost, they are putting forth their absolute best effort and leaving no stone unturned in pursuit of their goal.
In essence, these idioms encapsulate the concept of applying oneself, with each one highlighting a different aspect of the overall idea. They emphasize the significance of focus, dedication, and hard work in achieving success. These idioms serve as motivation and reminders to individuals to give their best in any task or endeavor they undertake.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *apply oneself* can be used in a sentence:
1. He needs to apply himself if he wants to pass the exam.
2. She always applies herself to her work and produces excellent results.
3. The coach told the players to apply themselves during training to improve their performance.
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