follow through: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘follow through’ mean?
The idiom follow through means to complete a task or fulfill a commitment without losing focus or enthusiasm.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "keep the show on the road" means to continue with a task or activity without interruption or delay. It is often used to indicate the importance of maintaining progress or forward momentum to achieve a desired outcome or goal.
The idiom "keep on" means to continue doing something without stopping or to persist in doing something despite difficulties or obstacles.
An idiom meaning to do something quickly and efficiently, often describing the completion of multiple tasks or actions in a single swift and decisive motion.
The idiom "hold up one's end" means to fulfill one's responsibilities or contribute one's fair share in a group or partnership.
The idiom *hold tack* means to continue with an activity or plan even when facing challenges or obstacles. It suggests perseverance and determination in the face of adversity.
The idiom "have done with" means to finish or complete something and have no further involvement or connection with it.
The idiom "go to work" means to start doing the necessary tasks or activities to achieve a particular goal or result.
The idiom "go through with" means to complete or follow through with a plan, action, or commitment despite difficulties or hesitations.
The idiom "go for it" means to take action without hesitation or fear, pursuing something with determination and enthusiasm.
Unleashing Potential
The idiom "follow through" is commonly associated with sports, particularly with the act of executing a golf swing or a baseball swing. In these contexts, "follow through" refers to the continuation of the motion after the ball has been hit. It emphasizes the importance of fully committing to the action until its conclusion. By going through with the follow through, athletes can ensure that they achieve the desired outcome of their swing. This aspect of the idiom highlights the idea of persistence, dedication, and ensuring that an action is carried out to its fullest extent.
However, the idiom "follow through" is not limited to sports. It is also widely used in business settings. In this context, "follow through" refers to the act of fulfilling promises, commitments, or obligations. It signifies the importance of not just making plans or setting intentions, but also taking the necessary steps to see them through to completion. By carrying through on their promises, professionals can maintain their reliability, integrity, and accountability. When individuals go through with their commitments, they build trust and foster successful professional relationships.
Furthermore, the idiom "follow through" is commonly employed in everyday conversations and personal contexts. It denotes the importance of taking action and following up on intentions, ideas, or decisions. By coming through on their plans, individuals can bring their ideas into action and achieve their goals. "Follow through" encourages individuals to be proactive, diligent, and persistent in pursuing their objectives. It emphasizes that words alone are not sufficient; actions must be taken to achieve desired outcomes. When individuals go all the way and follow through on their decisions, they increase their chances of success and fulfillment.
The idiom "follow through" has a long-standing history and widespread usage in the United States. Whether it is in executing a golf swing, fulfilling professional commitments, or pursuing personal goals, "follow through" conveys the idea of seeing things through to completion. It captures the importance of persistence, reliability, and taking action. When individuals go through with the follow through, they demonstrate their commitment and determination. They show that they are willing to put in the effort to achieve their desired outcomes.
When it comes to sports, the idiom "follow through" is often used in relation to the act of going through with a swing. Athletes understand that a successful swing requires more than just the initial striking of the ball. It requires them to carry through the entire motion until the end. By going through with the follow through, athletes can maximize the power and accuracy of their swings. This idiom reminds athletes of the importance of committing fully to their actions and not stopping prematurely.
In the world of business, the idiom "follow through" is often used to describe the act of carrying through on promises and commitments. Professionals understand that making promises or setting intentions is not enough; they must take action to ensure that they fulfill their obligations. When professionals go through with their commitments, they demonstrate their reliability and build trust with their colleagues and clients. They understand that follow through is crucial for maintaining successful working relationships.
On a personal level, the idiom "follow through" emphasizes the importance of taking action and following up on intentions. Individuals who come through on their plans demonstrate their commitment to their goals and aspirations. By going all the way and following through on their decisions, individuals increase their chances of success and fulfillment. This idiom reminds us that actions speak louder than words; it is not enough to have intentions or ideas, but we must also take action to bring them into reality.
The idiom "follow through" is deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the United States. It is used in various contexts to highlight the importance of persistence, reliability, and taking action. The idiom's association with sports, business, and personal contexts underscores its versatility and relevance in everyday life. By going through with the follow through, individuals demonstrate their commitment and determination. They show that they are willing to put in the effort to achieve their desired outcomes and create a path for future success.
Example usage
1. He always starts projects with great enthusiasm but often fails to follow through.
2. She made a promise to her friend and she followed through by helping him move to a new house.
3. The coach emphasized the importance of following through on every swing during the baseball practice.
More "Action" idioms
