Aced It: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
October 12, 2023

"Aced it" is a common idiom that means doing something successfully, especially in a challenging situation.

In short:

  • It means to do something very well or perfectly.
  • It can be used to describe one's own performance or someone else's.
  • It is often used to praise or congratulate someone for their achievement.

What Does "Aced It" Mean?

When you do something very well, especially when it is hard, you can say you "aced it." Furthermore, you can also use it to compliment or celebrate someone for their success.

Where Does "Aced It" Come From?

The expression "ace it" comes from the verb "ace," which initially meant to score a point in a sport like tennis or golf by hitting the ball so well that the opponent cannot return it. This word dates back to the late 1800s. In the early 1900s, "ace" became a slang term for a person who was very good at something, mainly a student who got high grades. From there, the phrase "ace it" emerged as a way to say that someone did something very well or perfectly, especially in a difficult or competitive situation.

10 Examples of "Aced It" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in sentences:

  • No diggity. He aced it with his fantastic guitar solo.
  • Yaas! He aced it in his presentation and impressed everyone.
  • Way to go. You aced it in your driving test. Congratulations!
  • Good riddance. She aced it in her baking contest and won the prize.
  • Great job! They aced it in the debate competition and won the trophy.
  • He aced it in his chess match and beat the champion in a blaze of glory.
  • It was no mean feat, but she aced it in her interview and got the job offer.
  • They stepped up their game, aced it in their math quiz, and got full marks.
  • I buckled down and studied hard for the math test and aced it. I got 100%!
  • I am glad to hear that you did well on the recital. You aced it! I'm so proud of you.

Examples of "Aced It" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in pop culture:

  • In the movie Legally Blonde (2001), Elle Woods (Reese Witherspoon) is a sorority girl who decides to go to law school to win back her ex-boyfriend. She surprises everyone by "acing" her admissions test and getting into Harvard Law School.
  • In the TV show Friends (1994-2004), Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston) is a waitress who wants to pursue a career in fashion. In one episode, she gets an interview at Ralph Lauren and prepares for it with the help of Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc). She ends up "acing" the interview and getting the job.
  • In the book Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (1997) by J.K. Rowling, Hermione Granger (Emma Watson) is a young witch who is very smart and intellectual. She excels at every subject and often helps her friends Harry Potter (Daniel Radcliffe) and Ron Weasley (Rupert Grint) with homework. She "aced" all her exams at the end of the first year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

Other Ways to Say "Aced It"

Here are some synonyms for this idiom:

  • Killed it
  • Slayed it
  • Nailed it
  • Rocked it
  • Crushed it
  • Smashed it
  • Mastered it
  • Excelled at it

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "Aced It"

Here are some common questions and answers about this expression:

  • What does "aced it" mean?

"Aced it" is a common idiom that means doing something successfully, especially in a challenging situation.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "aced it"?

The expression "ace it" comes from the verb "ace," which initially meant to score a point in a sport like tennis or golf by hitting the ball so well that the opponent cannot return it. This word dates back to the late 1800s. In the early 1900s, "ace" became a slang term for a person who was very good at something.

  • What are some synonyms for "aced it"?

Some synonyms for this idiom are "killed it," "slayed it," "nailed it," "crushed it," "rocked it," "smashed it," "mastered it," and "excelled at it."

  • What are some antonyms of "aced it"?

Some antonyms of "aced it" are expressions that mean to do something very poorly or unsuccessfully, such as "bombed it," "flunked it," "failed it," "blown it," and "messed it up."

  • What is the difference between "ace it" and "nail it"?

Both expressions mean to do something very well or ideally, but "ace it" implies more of a challenge or difficulty, while "nail it" implies more precision or accuracy. For example, you might say you aced a stern test but nailed an easy presentation.

  • Is "aced it" formal or informal?

"Aced it" is an informal expression mainly used in casual or conversational contexts. It is not appropriate for formal or academic writing or speaking.

  • How do you use "aced it" in a question?

You can use "ace it" in a question to ask someone if they did something very well or perfectly or to express doubt or disbelief about their performance.

Example: Did you ace your exam?

  • How do you respond to someone who says "aced it"?

If someone says "ace it" to you, they are either encouraging you to do something very well or perfectly or congratulating you for doing so. You can respond by thanking them, agreeing, or returning the compliment.

  • Can you use "ace it" in the past tense?

Yes, you can use "ace it" in the past tense to talk about something that someone did well or in the past. You must change the verb "ace" to its past tense form, "aced."

  • Can you use "aced it" with other subjects besides people?

Yes, you can use "ace it" with other subjects besides people, such as animals, objects, events, etc. However, this is usually done for humorous or exaggerated effects, as these subjects are not traditionally expected to perform well or excellently.

Example: The dog aced his obedience training. He learned all the tricks in one day.

Final Thoughts About "Aced It"

To sum up, "ace it" is a common expression that means to do something very well or perfectly, especially in a challenging or competitive situation.

Some key points to remember about this idiom:

  • It can be used to describe one's performance or someone else's.
  • It is often used to praise or congratulate someone for their achievement.
  • It comes from the verb "ace," which initially meant scoring a point in a sport like tennis or golf.
  • It is an informal expression used chiefly in casual or conversational contexts.
  • It has some related phrases that have a similar meaning.
  • It can be used in different tenses and with other subjects.
  • It has some antonyms that mean to do something very poorly or unsuccessfully.

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