Has what it takes 🖐️🏆

Meaning

Possesses the necessary qualities, skills, or determination to succeed.

Origin

Imagine a grizzled old trainer, eyes narrowed, watching a young challenger spar. "He's got heart, he's got speed," the trainer might muse, "but does he have what it takes?" This phrase emerged from the world of competition and challenge, a way to assess not just raw talent but the deeper, often invisible, reserves of grit and resilience required for victory. It's the intangible spark, the X-factor that separates a contender from a champion, the inner fortitude that pushes someone through the toughest moments and ensures they don't just compete, but conquer.

🦁💪 courage 🏆 success 💪🙏 pride

Has what it takes represented with emoji🖐️🏆

This artwork, composed of a raised hand and a trophy emoji, playfully suggests the idea of "having what it takes." It's not just about the simple symbols; it focuses on the play between the visual and the conceptual, prompting us to consider what qualities are needed to earn a victory. Note how the simple combination can evoke a sense of achievement and the journey toward it, inviting a dialogue on personal drive and the recognition of success.

Examples

  • She has what it takes to be a great leader.
  • Our team captain really has what it takes to win the championship.
  • That little hamster, with his tiny running wheel, clearly has what it takes to train for a marathon.
  • I suspect this talking teacup has what it takes to win the annual village bake-off, despite only being able to stir with its handle.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'has what it takes' a proverb or an idiom?

'Has what it takes' is an idiom, not a proverb. Idioms are phrases where the meaning isn't directly deducible from the individual words, while proverbs are often complete sentences offering advice or wisdom.

What's the opposite of 'has what it takes'?

The opposite of 'has what it takes' is 'lacks the necessary qualities' or 'is not cut out for it.' This implies someone or something is missing the essential attributes for success.

Can 'has what it takes' be used for inanimate objects?

While primarily used for people, 'has what it takes' can metaphorically describe inanimate objects or concepts that possess the required attributes for a specific purpose. For example, a piece of software might be said to 'have what it takes' to handle a large workload.

Is there a specific historical figure associated with coining 'has what it takes'?

There is no single historical figure credited with coining the phrase 'has what it takes'; it evolved organically from competitive language. Its origins are more in the collective vernacular of sports and challenges than in a specific individual's utterance.

Similar to "has what it takes"

She's got the right stuff
Both phrases celebrate inherent capability, but 'the right stuff' tips its hat to a certain classic, almost heroic, American swagger
He is cut out for this
Both point to suitability for a task, but 'cut out for this' highlights a pre-ordained fit, as if destiny carved them for the role
She is no stranger to success
Both imply competence, but 'no stranger' subtly hints at a history of achievement, suggesting talent that's already been proven over time

Opposite of "has what it takes"

She's just winging it
This insists on a lack of preparedness, arguing instead that success hinges on improvisation and sheer luck, rather than any deep-seated ability
He's out of his depth
This declares a fundamental mismatch between the person and the challenge, positing that some are simply not equipped, no matter the effort
They'll never make it
This is a stark pronouncement of inevitable failure, directly contradicting the optimistic belief that someone can overcome limitations with the right qualities

Related to "has what it takes"

The Midas touch
This speaks to an innate golden ability to make anything successful when it appears, linking directly to the idea of possessing a special quality for achievement
A rising star
This phrase orbits 'has what it takes' by describing someone whose trajectory suggests they are just now demonstrating that they possess the necessary qualities for great things
Game recognize game
This idiom, often arising in contexts where skill is on display, acknowledges that those who are truly capable recognize and respect that same quality in others, a nod to the underlying merit celebrated by 'has what it takes'
Born performer
This phrase isolates a specific domain—performance—where the subject's innate talent seems to make the demanding task effortless, a subset of the broader 'has what it takes'