Confidence & Self-Worth phrases and words in English

The English of backing yourself — the phrases people use to psych themselves up, set boundaries and own who they are. For the pep talk, the bio, and the moment right before you walk in the room.

21 phrases · meanings & example sentences

“Own it”

To fully accept and confidently embrace something — a mistake, a quirk, a bold choice — instead of hiding from it. Two tiny words that turn an apology into power.

So you laughed too loud, own it, that's your personality
Whatever you decide, own it and don't second-guess yourself
She wore the bright pink suit to the interview and absolutely owned it

“Fake it till you make it”

Act confident and capable even before you feel it, and the real skill (and feeling) will follow. A famous bit of advice for anyone starting something new and scared.

First week as a manager I had no idea what I was doing — fake it till you make it
Nobody feels ready; you fake it till you make it
He faked it till he made it and now he genuinely runs the place

“Know your worth”

To understand your own value and refuse to accept less than you deserve — in pay, in love, in friendship. A modern self-respect mantra, ubiquitous on social media.

Know your worth and don't take a salary below market rate
She finally knew her worth and walked away from the relationship
Knowing your worth means saying no without feeling guilty

“Step out of your comfort zone”

To do something unfamiliar or a little scary, leaving the safe 'zone' where everything feels routine. Where growth actually happens.

Public speaking really pushed me to step out of my comfort zone
Travelling solo is the fastest way to step out of your comfort zone
She stepped out of her comfort zone by joining the improv class

“Imposter syndrome”

The nagging feeling that you're a fraud and everyone will soon find out — despite evidence that you're good enough. Naming it is half the cure, and almost everyone has it.

I got into a top university and immediately got imposter syndrome
Even senior engineers admit to imposter syndrome
Her imposter syndrome flared up before the big presentation, but she nailed it

“Hold your head high”

To stay proud and dignified, especially after a setback or when others doubt you. The body language of self-respect turned into everyday advice.

You did nothing wrong, so hold your head high
Even after they lost the final, the team held their heads high
Hold your head high walking into that room — you earned your place

“Stand your ground”

To refuse to back down or be pushed around when challenged — holding your position under pressure. About conviction and boundaries, not aggression.

They tried to talk her down on price but she stood her ground
Stand your ground when you know you're right
He stood his ground and insisted on a proper apology

“Toot your own horn”

To openly praise your own achievements. Usually said modestly ('not to toot my own horn, but…') before sharing a win — a charming way to brag while pretending not to.

Not to toot my own horn, but I finished the whole project in a day
You should toot your own horn more — you never mention your wins
At school he never tooted his own horn but won every competition

“Glow up”

A dramatic transformation for the better — looks, confidence, life — that makes people do a double-take. Born on social media, now used for any impressive comeback or upgrade.

She had a serious glow up after uni: new job, new energy
This neighbourhood has had a real glow up, the whole waterfront is gorgeous now
Heartbreak glow up: he hit the gym and learned to cook

“Rise above it”

To stay calm and dignified instead of sinking to the level of pettiness, insults or drama around you. Choosing the high road as a quiet form of power.

They were trying to provoke her but she rose above it
Ignore the trolls and rise above it
Rise above the office gossip and just do great work

“Trust your gut”

To follow your instincts rather than overthinking or being swayed by others. A reminder that your first feeling is often right.

Something felt off about the deal — I should have trusted my gut
Trust your gut when choosing where to live; logic doesn't cover everything
I trusted my gut and turned down the offer — turned out it was a nightmare

“You do you”

A casual, non-judgemental way to tell someone to be themselves and not worry about what others think. Also said as a relaxed sign-off meaning 'I won't interfere with your choices'.

Not really my style, but you do you
You do you — don't dress to impress anyone else
Some people go to bed at 9pm on weekends; you do you

“Don't sell yourself short”

To warn against undervaluing your own abilities, experience, or worth. Common advice before a negotiation, interview, or audition when someone is being too modest.

That CV undersells you — don't sell yourself short, add those freelance projects
She sold herself short in the interview; she's actually brilliant at it
Don't sell yourself short when quoting rates to clients

“Back yourself”

To confidently believe in your own judgment or ability, especially when taking a risk or going against the crowd. Very common in British and Australian English.

Nobody else believed in the project, but she backed herself and launched it anyway
Back yourself — if you don't, no one else will
He backed himself in the negotiation and got exactly what he asked for

“Put yourself out there”

To take social or professional risks — applying for things, meeting people, sharing your work — despite the fear of rejection or embarrassment.

Dating is exhausting but you have to put yourself out there
She put herself out there by posting her art online for the first time
Put yourself out there — the worst that can happen is a no

“Game face”

The focused, confident expression you adopt before a tough challenge. Said when switching mentally into a competitive or serious mode, leaving nerves behind.

Put your game face on, the interview starts in five minutes
She's quiet in the dressing room but once she steps on stage her game face is on
He had his game face on all week before the board presentation

“Level up”

To advance to a higher level of skill, status, or quality — like progressing in a video game. Used for any meaningful self-improvement or upgrade in life.

I signed up for the course to level up my public speaking
He moved to a new city to level up and get out of a rut
The whole team levelled up after the new manager joined

“Take up space”

To exist confidently and unapologetically in a room or situation, without shrinking or minimising yourself. Often used in conversations about self-assertion and belonging.

Stop sitting in the corner — take up space, you belong in that meeting
She walks into any room and takes up space without even trying
Learning to take up space was the most important thing therapy taught me

“Hold your own”

To perform competently and confidently in a tough situation, even when surrounded by more experienced people. Not about dominating — about showing you belong.

She's new to the field but holds her own in every meeting
I was nervous at the debate but managed to hold my own
He plays with professionals and holds his own — that's rare at his age

“Give yourself credit”

To acknowledge your own effort or achievement instead of brushing it off. The antidote to being needlessly hard on yourself.

You finished the degree while working full-time — give yourself credit
Give yourself credit for how far you've come, not just how far you have to go
She never gives herself credit; she ran three marathons and still calls herself lazy

“Come into your own”

To finally reach your full potential, confidence, or identity — often after a period of struggle or change. Used when someone blossoms in a way that feels earned.

She really came into her own in her thirties — more settled, more sure of herself
He struggled at university but came into his own once he found his niche
The team came into their own after a rocky start to the season