What does “From rags to riches” mean?

"From rags to riches" means the journey of going from being very poor to becoming very wealthy.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He went from rags to riches after starting his own successful business.

Example

Her inspiring story is a classic example of someone who went from rags to riches.

Example

The book tells the incredible journey of a man who went from rags to riches

Is “From rags to riches” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“From rags to riches” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “From rags to riches” effectively in context?

You can use "From Rags to Riches" to describe a significant transformation from poverty to wealth or from a lowly position to a highly successful one. It emphasizes the idea of a remarkable journey or achievement. For example, if someone has built a successful business after starting with nothing, you might say, 'He went "from rags to riches" after starting his own successful business.'

1Success Stories
Her inspiring story is a classic example of someone who went from rags to riches.
2Literature
The book tells the incredible journey of a man who went from rags to riches.
3Entrepreneurship
He started with a small investment and turned it into a multi-million dollar company, going from rags to riches.

Similar phrases to “From rags to riches”:

Turn one's life around

To make a significant positive change in one's life, especially in terms of financial or social status

Example

After hitting rock bottom, he managed to turn his life around and become a successful entrepreneur.

Climb the social ladder

To improve one's social status or position through hard work and determination

Example

She climbed the social ladder and became a respected member of high society.

Go from zero to hero

To go from being insignificant or unknown to becoming highly successful or admired

Example

He went from zero to hero after winning the championship.

Strike it rich

To suddenly become very wealthy, often through luck or a fortunate event

Example

They struck it rich when they won the lottery.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “From rags to riches” come from?

The origin of the phrase "From Rags to Riches" can be traced back to the 19th century. It is believed to have originated from the Cinderella story, where the protagonist goes from wearing rags to becoming a princess. The phrase gained popularity and became a common idiom to describe a dramatic improvement in one's financial or social status.

Is “From rags to riches” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "From Rags to Riches" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe stories of success, particularly those involving significant financial or social improvement.

What tone does “From rags to riches” have?

"From Rags to Riches" conveys a tone of inspiration and admiration. It is often used to highlight the determination and hard work required to achieve success despite humble beginnings.

Can “From rags to riches” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "From Rags to Riches" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known idiom that is widely understood. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal contexts such as presentations or writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He went "from rags to riches" after starting his own successful business.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'She went "from rags to riches"!' to express surprise or admiration.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

hit the jackpot
achieve great success
go from poverty to wealth
experience a dramatic improvement
make it big

Antonyms

fall from grace
from riches to rags
lose everything
go bankrupt
experience a downfall