reach for the sky

reach for the sky

1. To set one's goals or ambitions very high; to try to attain or achieve something particularly difficult. My parents always taught me to reach for the sky when I was growing up—that I could be anything I set my mind to! With all that money, you could do whatever you want. Reach for the sky, kiddo!
2. A command for one to put one's hands up in a show of surrender, as during a robbery or an arrest. Reach for the sky, MacAfee, we've got you surrounded!
See also: reach, sky
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

reach for the sky

 
1. and aim for the sky; shoot for the sky Fig. to set one's sights high. Reach for the sky! Go for it! You should always reach for the sky, but be prepared for not attaining your goals every time.
2. Fig. Inf. to put one's hands up, as in a burglary. The gunman told the bank teller to reach for the sky. Reach for the sky and give me all your money!
See also: reach, sky
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

reach for the sky

1. Set very high goals, aspire to the best, as in I'm sure they'll make you a partner, so reach for the sky. The sky here stands for high aspirations. Also see sky's the limit.
2. Put your hands up high, as in One robber held the teller at gunpoint, shouting " Reach for the sky!" This usage is always put as an imperative. [Slang; mid-1900s]
See also: reach, sky
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

reach for the sky

If you reach for the sky, you are ambitious and try hard to achieve something very difficult. You have inspired our students and helped them to reach for the sky.
See also: reach, sky
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

reach for the sky

verb
See aim for the sky
See also: reach, sky

reach for the sky

1. Go to aim for the sky.
2. in. (a command) to put one’s hands up, as in a robbery. The bank teller reached for the sky without having to be told.
See also: reach, sky
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • aim for the sky
  • shoot for the sky
  • reach for the stars
  • reach for the moon
  • shoot for the stars
  • shoot for the moon
  • get there
  • play (all) the angles
  • draw even
  • raise one's sights
References in periodicals archive
The Teessiders' boss (right) wanted his promotion-chasing squad to reach for the sky and leave their comfort zone behind.
PULIS: IT'S TIME FOR MY BOYS TO FLY HIGH; IN ASSOCIATION WITH Griffin Park, 5.30pm brentford v middlesbrough
MANCHESTER Airport has published its own children's book as part of its 80th birthday celebrations, called Reach For The Sky.
News /Airport launches new book
The films analyzed include 1939AEs The Lion Has Wings, 1956AEs Reach for the Sky, and 2010AEs First Light, among others.
The Battle of Britain on Screen: 'The Few' in British Film and Television Drama, 2nd Edition
When the going gets tough, the tough reach for the sky.
Rally stars off to a flyer in Sardinia
TUESDAY Reach for the Sky (1956) Film4, 1.25pm Based on the true story of Douglas Bader, the film follows the renowned Second World War hero as he battles to achieve his dream of learning to fly, despite losing both legs in a plane crash in 1931.
MOVIE WATCH II
REACH FOR THE SKY Sturgeon waves to supporters before heading on campaign tour
It's my party and I'll fly if I want to
THE school mission statement at ambitious Rainhill High School is "Reach for the sky" - words which were chosen by students and which the school says epitomises its ambitions for their education.
Sky's the limit for Rainhill pupils
Try your skill with the big game hunting, drive in an off-roader vehicle on the custom-built course, and reach for the sky on the super jumper trampoline and heaps more.
Monster fun with the dinosaurs; Advertising feature
With a handshake that's firm and a piercing gaze, It's clear to all those who see him each day, That as ever he will strive to reach for the sky, And woe betide anyone who gets in his way Genuine in his efforts, He has established an excellent rapport, With everyone he deals with, He has earned unlimited support In a few months time we hope to see, The Boro back where it should be, I've no doubt it will be a very hard slogga, But our thanks will go to the man they call Mogga
Tony Mowbray Man of Steel
contents week in focus Another day, another drama at the Emirates 2 figaro Our man hunts out the cup shocks 4 childs play Coventry ready to reach for the sky 5 letters Your shout 6 kevin pullein 7 results and tables 8 outlook index Fulham heading for the top ten again 10 season trader Halfway through the group stage 11 team in focus Oxford United 11 true odds 12 spread betting Reading take on Arsenal in the League Cup 13 asian handicaps Sean Gollogly on the midweek matches 13 euro outlook Best bets from across the continent 14 fixtures and form 16 pools & perms Two banker plans from Mathematician 19 golf Jeremy Chapman 20 the big matches 20-24
contents
14&15 Reach for the sky in your garden with a layer of colourful climbers
Holidays
But half a century after he became the first human in space, Gagarin remains an inspiration to the men and women of all nations on Earth whose job it is to reach for the sky.
A pioneer in the heavens
US-based Sesame Workshop, together with Emirates Foundation's science, technology and environment programme, will produce the show Reach for the Sky nightly at the Marina Mall Abu Dhabi, starting from August 12, and will continue throughout Ramadan.
Emirates Foundation to launch children's show
Reach for the Sky celebrates the success of the Government's Music and Dance Scheme - a funding project that helps talented youngsters achieve their potential.
Young stars to perform at music and dance show
Triple whammies Two new-builds that reach for the sky Page 5 Star quality Pebworth House and its famous former owner Pages 6-7 Coach house conversions Three estates from across the region Page 20-21 Th Old Millhouse Attention to detail was paramount during renovation Page 24-25 Property news The latest developments and schemes Pages 28-29 Property Expert Be aware of your legal rights when buying Pages 30 POST PROPERTY correspondents are Alison Jones and Annie Roberts Email: PostSupplements@mrn.co.uk Edited and designed by Magazines and Supplements Dept, The Birmingham Post.
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