killed it

USAGE SUMMARY

"killed it" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used informally to mean that someone or something did an outstanding job or performed exceptionally well. Example: The team worked tirelessly to prepare for the competition and when they finally took the stage, they killed it with their flawless routine.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Killed it.

The New York Times - Tech

Republican leaders killed it.

The Economist

So Ford killed it.

The Economist

The Internet killed it.

The New Yorker

They killed it".

The New York Times - Tech

That killed it.

Independent

"We just killed it".

The New York Times

Ms. Quinn killed it.

The New York Times

JJ killed it!

Independent

Playboy killed it.

The New Yorker

He killed it.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "killed it" when you want to express enthusiasm and excitement about someone's outstanding performance in an informal context. It's perfect for celebrating achievements.

Common error

While "killed it" is a great way to show excitement, it's too informal for professional reports or academic papers. Opt for more appropriate phrases like "excelled", "performed exceptionally", or "achieved outstanding results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "killed it" primarily functions as an idiomatic expression to convey that someone or something performed exceptionally well. It's a colloquial way to express admiration for a successful achievement. Ludwig provides many examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "killed it" is an informal idiom used to express enthusiastic approval of someone's outstanding performance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in informal contexts. While it's a great way to show excitement, it's best to avoid using "killed it" in formal or professional settings, opting instead for alternatives like "excelled" or "performed exceptionally". Keep in mind the context and audience when deciding whether to use this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nailed it

Implies perfect execution, focusing on precision and accuracy.

aced it

Suggests achieving a top score or grade, highlighting exceptional performance.

smashed it

Emphasizes a forceful and impressive achievement, indicating a strong impact.

crushed it

Similar to 'smashed it', but with a slightly more modern and emphatic tone.

knocked it out of the park

An idiomatic expression referring to a home run in baseball, signifying outstanding success.

excelled

A more formal way of saying someone performed exceptionally well.

outdid themselves

Indicates a performance that surpasses previous efforts, highlighting improvement.

triumphed

A more dramatic term for achieving victory or success, often in the face of adversity.

dominated

Suggests complete control and superiority, emphasizing a commanding performance.

performed flawlessly

Highlights the absence of mistakes, emphasizing perfection in execution.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "killed it"?

When someone says "killed it", they mean that someone or something performed exceptionally well, often exceeding expectations. It's an expression of enthusiastic approval.

Is "killed it" appropriate in professional communication?

While widely understood, "killed it" is generally too informal for professional settings. Alternatives like "excelled" or "performed exceptionally" are more suitable.

How can I use "killed it" in a sentence?

You can use "killed it" to describe a performance, presentation, or any other endeavor where someone has excelled. For example, "She really killed it during her presentation!"

What's a more formal way to say "killed it"?

Instead of "killed it", consider using phrases such as "achieved outstanding results", "performed admirably", or "excelled at". These alternatives maintain a professional tone.