PhrasesHub

Notch up

    Definitions

      • achieve something
        To achieve or gain a particular accomplishment or success

      • increase something
        To increase or raise a level or amount of something

    Examples of Notch up

    • The sales team notched up a 20% increase in revenue this quarter.

      In this example, the idiom "notch up" means to achieve a significant improvement or progress. In this case, the sales team has exceeded their previous performance by 20%. This phrase is used in the context of the sales team's accomplishments, as they have "notched up" a higher revenue figure.

    • Emily's painting skills have notched up dramatically since her trip to Italy.

      Here, the idiom is used to describe a marked improvement or advancement in a particular skill or ability. In this context, Emily's painting skill has elevated significantly after her visit to Italy, suggesting that she has gained valuable inspiration and training during her trip. This usage shows how "notch up" can indicate advancement in personal development or education.

    • The football team notched up a record-breaking victory last night.

      This example uses the idiom in the context of sports, where it signifies an outstanding achievement or a remarkable success. The team has outperformed their previous records, setting a new benchmark for their win-loss record. This context emphasizes the competitive nature of sports, wherein teams strive to "notch up" better records and victories against their opponents.

    • As a result of their hard work, the company notched up its stock price by 15% in the past month.

      This example describes how the company's efforts and initiatives led to a notable enhancement in its share price. The phrase "notched up" is used to indicate significant development or progress, which is reflected in the financial numbers of the company. The idiom's usage in this example is particularly relevant to the corporate world, where profitability and financial performance are crucial indicators of success.

    • The tennis player notched up a stunning victory today.

      In this example, "notched up" is being used as a verb, meaning "achieved" or "increased". The phrase "stunning victory" refers to a very impressive and surprising win. This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe an accomplishment or achievement.

    • Over the past year, the company has notched up record profits.

      In this example, "notched up" is being used as a phrasal verb, where "up" is being used as a preposition. Here, "notched up" means "increased to a higher level", and "record profits" refers to the largest profits the company has ever made. This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a significant improvement or increase.

    • With this win, I have now notched up five successive victories.

      In this example, "notched up" is being used as a phrasal verb, where "up" is being used as a preposition. The speaker has won five games or competitions in a row, and is "notching up" each win. This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a series of successful experiences.

    • This year's Olympics has seen some truly incredible feats, notching up record numbers of gold medals.

      In this example, "notched up" is being used as a phrasal verb, where "up" is being used as a preposition. The Olympics, which are held every four years, have seen many athletes win gold medals, and the total number of gold medals won has increased significantly. This example shows how the idiom can be used to describe a significant increase in quantity or amount.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "notch up" can be used to indicate achieving something or increasing something. It is often used in a casual or informal context to express reaching a goal or making progress in a certain area.

    For example, someone might say "She notched up another win for the team" to indicate that she achieved another victory. Similarly, someone might say "The company notched up its sales figures" to indicate an increase in sales. Overall, "notch up" is a versatile idiom that can be used in various situations to denote accomplishment or advancement.

    Origin of "Notch up"

    The origin of the idiom "notch up" can be traced back to the literal act of marking or making notches on a surface to keep track of something. In the past, people would make notches on a stick or a piece of wood to count or record events, such as days passed or items produced.

    Over time, the act of notching up came to symbolize achieving or accumulating something, leading to the figurative use of the idiom. The idiom has become a common part of the English language, used to convey the idea of reaching a goal or increasing a quantity. Its origins in physical marking and counting make it a vivid and easily understandable expression in modern usage.