a high-flyer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a high-flyer" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is very successful or ambitious, often in a professional context. Example: "She quickly established herself as a high-flyer in the corporate world, earning promotions and accolades within just a few years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

This Crane could be a high-flyer before long.

The Guardian - Sport

Joining the Clerk's Department he was soon identified as a high-flyer.

Independent

Support for Mr Ouattara, once a high-flyer at the IMF, cuts across many divides.

The Economist

Mr Bo was a high-flyer in the party and had been tipped for a place on the standing committee of the Politburo.

The Economist

Mlodinow cites the case of Sherry Lansing, a high-flyer who ran Paramount when the studio churned out Forrest Gump, Braveheart and Titanic.

The Guardian - Sport

At Britain's embassy in Vietnam, the trade and investment job (once a bit of a backwater) is held by a high-flyer trained in Arabic politics, who proudly reports on work with a Midlands manufacturer of incinerators for animal carcasses.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

He says you don't have to go to uni to be a high flyer.

Independent

Murphy is a high flyer, having achieved his first headship at the age of 29.

The Guardian

Marked out as a high flyer, he joined Delors' cabinet under Pascal Lamy.

The Guardian

One alternative is to appoint an "insider-outsider", such as a high flyer who has left to do something else.

The Economist

If she was white she could have been a debutante – she was upwardly mobile, a high flyer".

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "a high-flyer" to describe someone who is not only successful but also ambitious and driven. This implies a proactive approach to achieving goals.

Common error

Avoid using "a high-flyer" in very casual or informal settings. While generally acceptable, it can sound slightly out of place when describing everyday achievements or in extremely relaxed conversations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a high-flyer" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject complement or object to describe a person who is exceptionally successful and ambitious. Ludwig's examples show this in various contexts, such as describing professionals, politicians, and even organizations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

28%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a high-flyer" is a common noun phrase used to describe someone who is exceptionally successful and ambitious. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage in various contexts, primarily in news and media, and formal business settings. While generally appropriate, be mindful of overuse in overly casual situations. Consider alternatives such as "an achiever" or "a go-getter" for slight variations in emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an achiever

Focuses on accomplishment and success.

a go-getter

Emphasizes ambition and proactiveness.

a rising star

Highlights potential and upward trajectory.

a success story

Emphasizes the outcome of success.

a top performer

Focuses on consistent high-level results.

a whiz kid

Suggests exceptional talent and youth.

a bright spark

Highlights intelligence and enthusiasm.

an up-and-comer

Similar to rising star, but broader.

a leader in their field

Focuses on expertise and influence.

a person of great caliber

Highlights overall quality and competence.

FAQs

How can I use "a high-flyer" in a sentence?

You can use "a high-flyer" to describe someone who is very successful and ambitious. For example, "She quickly became known as a high-flyer in the company."

What are some alternatives to "a high-flyer"?

Some alternatives include "an achiever", "a go-getter", or "a rising star", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a high-flyer" in formal writing?

Yes, "a high-flyer" is generally appropriate for formal writing, especially in business or professional contexts. However, consider the specific audience and tone to ensure it fits appropriately.

What's the difference between "a high-flyer" and "successful"?

"Successful" simply indicates achievement, while "a high-flyer" implies both success and a proactive, ambitious approach to achieving that success. A high-flyer is not just successful, but also driven and upwardly mobile.