under my belt
Meaning(s)
1. something achieved and now part of your experience
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
I need to get some more experience under my belt
Analysis
To 'have something under your belt' means you have achieved it, experienced it or to have acquired knowledge or skills in that area. "I have two MA's and an MBA under my belt." "She has seven years' experience in communications under her belt." This is quite an informal expression but you can hear it used in professional and social contexts. To 'have something under your belt' can also mean to have consumed it. "He usually likes to have dinner under his belt before he gets down to business."
Social Examples (Basic)
- Once Carla had a few weeks of lessons under her belt, she began to pick up English pretty quickly.
Professional Examples (Basic)
- John had a lot of qualifications, but he wasn't offered the job because the company felt he needed to get some more hands-on experience under his belt.
- Sarah already had three promotions under her belt within a year of starting in the job. It was obvious that she was going straight to the top.