high-flier
Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈaɪflaɪə/
US
- /hˈaɪflˌaɪər/
Description
- very successful person
- fast-rising worker
- top student
- ambitious achiever
A "high-flier" is a person who does very well and seems likely to go even further. The word is often used for someone who is successful, ambitious, and noticed for strong results. You might hear it about a top student, a young worker moving up quickly, or someone in business with a bright future. It usually suggests talent and progress, and sometimes it also hints that the person aims high and stands out from others.
The term "high-flier" usually describes a person who is doing very well and is expected to do even better in the future. It often refers to someone with strong ability, clear ambition, and quick progress. In school, a high-flier may be a student who gets excellent results and seems headed for major success. At work, it can describe an employee or executive who rises quickly, wins praise, and is seen as someone with a lot of promise.
The word is especially common when talking about careers, business, education, and other competitive settings. If a company calls someone a high-flier, it often means that person is one of its most promising people. In everyday use, the term usually has a positive meaning, suggesting energy, talent, and success. At times, though, it can also carry a slight warning tone, especially if the speaker thinks the person is too confident, under pressure, or expected to achieve too much too quickly.
Although the idea is linked to going high, the word is not mainly about literal flying. It is a figurative way to talk about someone who rises above others in performance or success. Overall, "high-flier" is a useful term for a person who stands out as ambitious, capable, and likely to keep moving upward.
Examples
- 1
Legal career
She was a high-flier at the law firm and made partner before she turned thirty.
- 2
Tech business
Investors once saw the company as a tech high-flier, but sales have slowed this year.
- 3
School achievement
He was never a high-flier at school, but he built a successful career in the end.
- 4
Politics
The party's young high-fliers are already being talked about as future ministers.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- high-flier