rise to occasion
Meet the challenge
To rise to the occasion is to meet a challenge with unexpected competence or courage when circumstances demand it.
The phrase implies that ordinary performance won't suffice—something has elevated the stakes: She rose to the occasion and delivered the speech without notes.
Often used to praise someone who performed well under pressure.
- step upIncrease or advance
- step up to the plateAssume responsibility when needed
- challengeTest of ability
- momentBrief period of time
- heroOne admired for courage
big moment · courage · clutch · clutch performance · deliver · come through · shine · overcome · adversity · pressure · under pressure · crunch time · perform · excel · triumph · grit · determination · dig deep
- taking actionacts, moves, responds, take action, go for it
- accomplishaccomplish, achieve, complete, do, finish
- accountabilityaccountability, responsibility, accountable, take responsibility, answerability
- adaptabilityadapt, flexibility, resilience, adaptability, pliability
- cut itmake it, hack it, pass muster, cut the mustard, make the grade
- skill idiomsknow the ropes, cut the mustard, on the ball, sharp as a tack, jack of all trades
rise to occasionchoke
Obstruct breathing or airflow
fall short · crumble · collapse · fold · bomb
rise to occasionshrink back
Withdraw due to fear
cower · freeze · lose one's nerve · back down · shy away
rise, occasion, rises, risen, rising, riser, risers, arise, arisen