Home run
n.joyful, capableplayful
What it means
An outstanding success or an especially effective result.
Reach for it when giving upbeat informal praise after the outcome is known
The shaded playground was a home run with children and caregivers.
Choose between these
6- playful
smash hit
wide popularity is the evidence of exceptional success
not when Smash hit is entertainment-focused and can overstate early or local approval.
- playful
an option proves effective and well liked
not when Winner suggests competition and can sound like prediction before results arrive.
- warm
the achievement overcame real difficulty and deserves celebration
not when Triumph is grand and can imply victory over others where none was needed.
- professional
the result crosses a barrier that blocked earlier attempts
not when Breakthrough concerns novelty or progress, not necessarily broad success.
- professional
resounding success
multiple clear measures show a strong result
not when The phrase needs evidence and is too emphatic for a promising pilot.
- formal
coup
a difficult strategic achievement brings unusual advantage
not when Coup can imply maneuvering, surprise, or another party's defeat.
Said against
3- strikeout
- flop
- failure
It naturally appears in
3- hit a home run
The team hit a home run by testing the route with wheelchair users before construction.
- real home run
The evening bus proved a real home run for hospital staff.
- home run idea
A home run idea still needs a budget and a responsible owner.
Where this comes from
Home run is figurative and evaluative; identify whose outcome improved and what evidence supports the success claim.
- Wiktionary, English noun figurative sense: a complete or notable success opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-26
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.