leave on a high note

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'leave on a high note' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe ending a situation, project, or performance with a positive outcome or impression. For example, "The party was a success and we decided to leave on a high note before it ended too late."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

All told, in both parties there has now been just one presidential contender since Reagan to get elected and leave on a high note: Bill Clinton.

Vice

"It's always good to leave on a high note," Malachowski said.

University of Pennsylvania

So it's better to leave on a high note rather than a low note," said Vasudev Bhandarkar, CEO of the Silicon Valley-based Caralta Corporation.

The Guardian - Tech

"What is surprising is the timing, although Whitacre can now leave on a high note," said David E. Cole, head of the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The New York Times

It's nice to leave on a high note, with a day of celebration and moments shared with family and friends while dressed like you've stepped out of Goodbye, Mr Chips.

Independent

Whether you've outgrown a once-fabulous job, become bored with a humdrum one, or had enough of an intolerable boss, you owe it to yourself to leave on a high note and not burn bridges.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Mr. Barton, who started the company as a unit of Microsoft, is leaving on a high note.

The New York Times

Mr. Spencer, who celebrated his departure over several glasses of wine at a recent lunch, left on a high note.

The New York Times

It helped, too, that they left on a high note: the breakup came just as it was starting to seem possible that Blink-182 might eclipse Nirvana as the most influential rock band of our time.

The New Yorker

By quitting after he won an emphatic victory in Sunday's bailout the referendum, he can claim to have left on a high note, and his resignation post talked on the vote as "a unique moment when a small European nation rose up against debt bondage".

Independent

However, he is leaving on a high note.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "leave on a high note" when you want to emphasize the positive and successful conclusion of an activity, project, or relationship. It's especially effective when describing departures or endings that could otherwise be viewed negatively.

Common error

Avoid using "leave on a high note" when simply describing a physical departure from a place. This phrase is best suited for situations with a more metaphorical ending or conclusion, rather than a literal leaving.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "leave on a high note" functions as an idiomatic expression, serving as a verb phrase that modifies a subject, describing how someone concludes an activity, performance, or position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signifies ending something successfully or positively.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

14%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "leave on a high note" is an idiomatic expression used to describe ending a situation or activity in a successful and positive way. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad usability. Analysis of various sources reveals it's commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Academic contexts. While "leave on a high note" suggests a desire to end something positively, related phrases like "finish strong" or "go out with a bang" offer slightly different nuances. Remember to use this phrase when the ending is metaphorical rather than a literal departure. In summary, use "leave on a high note" to emphasize the positive conclusion of an event or experience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

end on a positive note

This alternative focuses on the overall feeling of the conclusion.

finish strong

This emphasizes the effort and energy put into the final part.

go out with a bang

This suggests a dramatic and impressive final act.

conclude successfully

This focuses on the achievement of a desired outcome.

bow out gracefully

This emphasizes the manner of departure, highlighting elegance and poise.

make a triumphant exit

This highlights the celebratory aspect of leaving.

quit while you're ahead

This implies leaving a situation before it deteriorates.

close with a flourish

This suggests ending something with a showy or elaborate gesture.

finish on top

This alternative highlights the achievement of reaching the highest position or level.

end with success

This focuses on the positive outcome of the conclusion.

FAQs

How can I use "leave on a high note" in a sentence?

You can use "leave on a high note" to describe ending something successfully or positively. For example, "The team decided to "leave on a high note" after their best performance of the season".

What does it mean to "leave on a high note"?

To "leave on a high note" means to end something, such as a job, project, or performance, in a successful or positive way, making a good final impression.

What are some synonyms for "leave on a high note"?

Some synonyms for "leave on a high note" include "end on a positive note", "finish strong", or "go out with a bang".

Is it always better to "leave on a high note"?

While it's generally desirable to "leave on a high note", it's not always possible or practical. Sometimes circumstances dictate the timing of an ending, regardless of whether it's the most opportune moment.