under one's belt

/ˌʌndər wʌnz ˈbɛlt/◆idiom

achieved or gained

She already has three years of teaching experience under her belt.

She has already gained three years of teaching experience.

◆ What It Really Means

Having successfully gained or achieved something valuable that enhances one's capabilities or qualifications.

¶ Literal Meaning

Something physically placed beneath a belt.

Literal Breakdown

underin a lower position relative to+one's belta band worn around the waist to hold up clothing

◇ Mental Image

The mental picture is of a belt securely holding something in place, symbolizing that the experience or achievement is now a stable and integral part of the person.

◈ When to Use

A hiring manager might say, 'You’ve got five years of marketing experience under your belt—exactly what we need for this role.' Here, the idiom emphasizes the candidate’s proven track record.

◉ Cultural Note

This idiom reflects a cultural emphasis on tangible achievements and experience as markers of personal and professional growth. It is widely used in English-speaking cultures to motivate and validate accomplishments.

informal

Successfully completed, achieved, or gained (experience, skills, or achievements)

He has two successful startups under his belt.

He has successfully completed two startups.

You need to get some experience under your belt before applying for this job.

You need to gain some experience first before applying.

Often used to emphasize that someone has valuable experience or accomplishments that make them more qualified or capable.

Collocations

have under one's beltpossess as experienceget under one's beltgain as experienceput under one's beltadd to one's experience

Synonyms

under one's hat in one's pocket in the bag

Antonyms

unaccomplished inexperienced

Related Phrases

have something to show forphrase

have tangible results or achievements

in the bagphrase

guaranteed or secured

Pro Tip

Use in resumes and interviews

Use 'under one's belt' to confidently highlight your experience in professional settings. For example: 'I have five years of project management experience under my belt.'

Gold Rule

Avoid literal interpretations

This idiom is figurative. Do not interpret it as something physically placed under a belt. It always refers to achievements or experience.

Word Origin

The phrase likely originates from the literal act of carrying something (like a belt) to hold items securely. By the mid-20th century, it metaphorically came to mean having something (like experience) securely 'held' or acquired.

Usage Notes

This idiom is commonly used in both personal and professional contexts to highlight achievements or skills that someone has acquired. It implies that the experience is now a part of the person's capabilities.

Word Breakdown

under

in a position of possession or achievement

preposition

one's belt

symbolizing personal capability or experience

noun phrase

English Dictionary

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