rise to the occasion

Idioms

Show unexpected skill in dealing with a difficulty that arises, as in The leading man broke his leg in the first act but his understudy rose to the occasion and was rewarded with excellent reviews. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“So now, despite the fear I know you are all feeling, I must ask you all to rise to the occasion for the sake of the Academy,” Callaway went on, talking over the nervous murmuring.

From Literature

No, Major Puff had to rise to the occasion.

From Literature

But I’m telling you the story so you understand how he got where he did and how I got where I did and how both of us learned to rise to the occasion of our lives.

From Literature

“It’s as if you’ve invited out my better self and, in doing so, invited me to rise to the occasion, rather than sink to it.”

From Literature

“Rise to the occasion of their lives?”

From Literature

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023