Praising someone is a wonderful way to acknowledge their efforts and achievements. Here are 20 idiomatic expressions and phrasal verbs to effectively praise someone in English.
1. Hats off to
Meaning: Salute
Example: Hats off to you for winning.
2. Pat on the back
Meaning: Praise
Example: Give yourself a pat on the back.
3. Sing someone’s praises
Meaning: Compliment
Example: We always sing her praises.
4. Raise the bar
Meaning: Set higher standards
Example: You really raised the bar with this project.
5. Out of this world
Meaning: Amazing
Example: Your performance was out of this world.
6. Knock someone’s socks off
Meaning: Impress
Example: You knocked their socks off with that presentation.
7. Go the extra mile
Meaning: Make extra effort
Example: She always goes the extra mile for her team.
8. A cut above
Meaning: Superior
Example: This design is a cut above the rest.
9. Blow someone away
Meaning: Astonish
Example: His talent blew everyone away.
10. Raise someone’s spirits
Meaning: Cheer up
Example: Your kind words raised her spirits.
11. Give credit where credit is due
Meaning: Acknowledge effort
Example: Let’s give credit where credit is due.
12. Put someone on a pedestal
Meaning: Admire greatly
Example: They put her on a pedestal for her kindness.
13. Pull out all the stops
Meaning: Do everything possible
Example: They pulled out all the stops for the event.
14. Top-notch
Meaning: Excellent
Example: Your work is always top-notch.
15. Second to none
Meaning: Best
Example: Her skills are second to none.
16. Give someone a shout-out
Meaning: Publicly praise
Example: Give him a shout-out for his hard work.
17. Keep up the good work
Meaning: Continue doing well
Example: You’re doing great, keep up the good work!
18. Knock it out of the park
Meaning: Exceed expectations
Example: You knocked it out of the park with that proposal.
19. Give a gold star
Meaning: Reward excellence
Example: He deserves a gold star for his efforts.
20. On the right track
Meaning: Doing well
Example: You’re definitely on the right track with this project.
