unlock an achievement

Meaning

Originating in video games, this phrase means to complete a specific task or reach a milestone that awards a digital badge or recognition. Metaphorically, native speakers also use it in real life to celebrate personal milestones, like buying a house, graduating, or learning a new skill.

Examples

• I finally managed to unlock an achievement by completing the game on hard mode.

  I finally managed to unlock an achievement by completing the game on hard mode.

• When I finished my first marathon, I felt like I had unlocked an achievement in real life.

  When I finished my first marathon, I felt like I had unlocked an achievement in real life.

• You need to find all the hidden items to unlock an achievement.

  You need to find all the hidden items to unlock an achievement.

• Getting my driver's license felt like I unlocked an achievement.

  Getting my driver's license felt like I unlocked an achievement.

• My console made a satisfying sound when I unlocked an achievement.

  My console made a satisfying sound when I unlocked an achievement.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I opened an achievement in my favorite game.

  ✓ I unlocked an achievement in my favorite game.

  While 'open' and 'unlock' are similar, the standard gaming collocation is always 'unlock an achievement'.

• ✗ She achieved an achievement after studying hard.

  ✓ She unlocked an achievement after studying hard.

  Saying 'achieved an achievement' is highly repetitive. Use 'unlocked an achievement' or simply 'reached a milestone'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• To ___ in this game, you have to defeat the boss without taking damage.

  💡 Gain a digital reward or badge for a tough task.

  Show answer

  unlock an achievement

• Buying my first car felt like I had managed to ___ in real life.

  💡 Complete a major personal milestone.

  Show answer

  unlock an achievement