succeed

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."
See also: again, first, if, try

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.
See also: like, nothing, succeed, success

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.
See also: succeed
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

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.
See also: again, first, if, try

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.
See also: like, nothing, succeed, 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.
See also: succeed
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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.
See also: again, first, if, try
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

nothing succeeds like success

success leads to opportunities for further and greater successes. proverb
See also: like, nothing, succeed, success
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

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.
See also: like, nothing, succeed, success
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

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.
See also: succeed
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • teach a man to fish
  • it takes a village
  • village
  • the best-laid plans
  • the best-laid plans go astray
  • the best-laid plans of mice and men
  • best-laid plans go astray, the
  • bigger they are, the harder they fall
  • bigger they come, the harder they fall, the
  • blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed
References in periodicals archive
Succeed provides web-based enterprise risk management solutions which contain a suite of software applications that help manage claims and OSHA reporting, behavior-based safety programmes, hazard communication and Safety Data Sheets, Return to Work programs, employee training, and third party insurance compliance.
KPA Acquires Insurance Software Firm Succeed Management Solutions
Manfredo Rubens, President, Finance, Ludwigshafen, will succeed Becker effective January 1, 2016.
BASF announces personnel changes
If you create an environment of success, then your people and you succeed as well, which strengthens the environment for future success.
IT'S THE ENVIRONMENT!
Whether you have been diagnosed with ADHD or know someone else who has, learning these skills can help you or someone you care about succeed with ADHD.
Announcing a New Book Containing 365+1 Tips, Strategies and Solutions for Succeeding with ADHD
He's the man who wants to succeed so badly that he's more than willing to do the things necessary to attain success.
Some sales procedures used by successful insurance men
Why is the child reared in a low-SES household still able to succeed in school?
Factors of a low-SES household: what aids academic achievement?
The skills they learn, from time management and etiquette to how to gain positive self-esteem, are meant to help them succeed in their academic, professional, and personal lives.
Real world 101: a new paradigm in higher education: teaching life skills is a priority for this president
Without them none of us would have the opportunities to succeed and to live free as we do." The admiral dedicated his award to them, "especially to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice so that all of us can be free," he said.
American forces press service (Oct. 8, 2005): admiral earns executive excellence award from Hispanic Engineers
"We are in the business of preparing young people to succeed academically, spiritually, socially, and athletically." Yet, Massey said in the same interview, "We do take in kids who are a risk, but they have to conduct themselves in a certain way here or they will not be part of the program, l believe everybody deserves an opportunity to succeed.
Prep school for life
Other candidates qualified to succeed Issing include Gerd Hausler and Klaus Regling, Both are also talked about as possible successors for Caio Koch-Weser as deputy finance minister, the key international finance job.
Blinking left, driving right: Germany's flirtation with anti-capitalist populism
The secret of academic success is no different from success in other fields of endeavor, and it involves hard work, the will to succeed, and practice, practice, practice.
Reading, writing, and willpower: getting kids to care
Their ownership of the opportunity will help them to succeed by really allowing them to help their customers to succeed."
Amerimulch forges Australian agreement
This process begins by teaching the basics to key employee stakeholders so they can comprehend the information they need to succeed and appreciate the importance of that which they are charged to execute.
Budgeting: it's everyone's responsibility; Involving staff in budgeting might not always be comfortable, but it can yield smoother-running operations
The solidarity that has to be expressed for the IWFR campaign to succeed would also seem to need to be locally, not just nationally, organized and built.
Dismantling U.S.-style apartheid: what can the immigrant rights agenda learn from the Free South Africa Movement?