tasted success

USAGE SUMMARY

"tasted success" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone or something that has achieved success, often after effort or struggle. Example: After years of hard work, the team finally tasted success with their latest project. Alternative expressions include "achieved success," "found success," and "experienced success."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Sports

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I've tasted success.

The New York Times - Sports

We have tasted success.

The Guardian

Sure, he has tasted success: his star flickered briefly in 1977.

Independent

Despite reaching the Australian Open final four times previously, Murray has never tasted success Down under.

Independent

Having tasted success with "Gossip Girl," the network decided to stop showing sitcoms altogether.

The New York Times

Trieste had tasted success as an actor, thanks to Fellini, who was a close friend.

The Guardian

Everybody who has actually tasted success can tell you that's not true.

The New York Times

He has tasted success before at St Andrews, when claiming the Dunhill Links Championship in 2007.

The Guardian - Sport

Now I have tasted success in London, I am determined to win again.

The Guardian - Sport

Other schools had an easier time because they had tasted success at Division II".

The New York Times - Sports

"We tasted success so early that we're ready for something new".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Integrate this phrase into sports writing or business narratives to add a sensory, idiomatic touch that makes the achievement feel more tangible and earned.

Common error

Avoid mixing metaphors when using "tasted success". Do not follow it with non-sensory imagery such as 'climbing the ladder of success' in the same sentence, as it can confuse the reader's mental image. Stick to the 'taste' or 'experience' theme for better flow.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tasted success" operates as an idiomatic verb phrase where the verb 'taste' is used figuratively to mean 'to experience something for a short time' or 'to get a sample of'. According to Ludwig, it typically functions as the main predicate of a sentence describing the onset of achievement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Sports

35%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "tasted success" is a robust and evocative idiom that bridges the gap between literal achievement and emotional experience. Ludwig AI confirms its high frequency across elite journalistic and business sources, underscoring its versatility. It is particularly effective for describing a breakthrough moment or a first victory. While synonyms like "achieved success" are more direct, they lack the sensory weight that "tasted success" provides. Writers should use it to highlight the human and motivational aspects of reaching a goal, ensuring the context supports the figurative nature of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

achieved success

Provides a more literal and formal description of reaching a goal.

enjoyed success

Focuses on the positive experience and satisfaction derived from the achievement.

experienced success

A neutral alternative that simply states the occurrence of a successful event.

found success

Suggests a journey or a process of discovery leading to a positive result.

saw success

Often used to describe a project or entity that witnessed positive growth.

sampled success

Maintains the culinary metaphor but implies an even briefer or more preliminary experience.

attained victory

More formal and specific to competitive scenarios like sports or politics.

reaped the rewards

Focuses on the benefits and outcomes that follow a successful endeavor.

reached the top

A spatial metaphor implying the culmination of a climb or struggle.

claimed glory

Stronger emphasis on the public recognition and honor associated with winning.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "tasted success"?

It means to have experienced a win or achievement, often for the first time or after a long wait. If you want a more formal way to say this, you might use "achieved success" or "realized one's goals".

Can I use "tasted success" in a professional cover letter?

Yes, it is acceptable in professional writing to show drive and previous accomplishments. However, for a more data-driven approach, you could consider "delivered results" or "surpassed targets".

What is the difference between "tasted success" and "found success"?

While both mean achieving a goal, "tasted success" implies a sensory, personal experience of the win, whereas "found success" suggests a discovery or a path that eventually led to a positive outcome.

Is "tasted success" a cliché in sports reporting?

It is frequently used in sports, but it remains effective because it highlights the emotional reward of winning. To vary your language, you could use "triumphed" or "emerged victorious".