step up (your game)
Meaning(s)
1. improve your performance in something
Popularity
Medium
Professional
Medium
Social
How to Memorize
you must step up your game if you want to succeed/keep your job
Analysis
To 'step up your game' means to improve the way you play or to improve so that you can perform as well as others. When you 'step up your game' you make an effort to be better in the way that you do something. This expression is usually associated with sport or work performance. "We will have to step up our game if we want to have a chance of winning the championships."
Social Examples (Basic)
- Alex is an excellent tennis player. He tends to cruise through the early stages of competitions before stepping up his game once the knockout rounds begin.
- My teacher told me I would have to step up my game if I want to get a good grade in the exam.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- Your work lately simply hasn't been good enough. If you want to keep your job, you'll need to step your game up!
- Once Claire heard about the large bonus on offer for the person with the most sales at the end of the year, she really stepped up her game.