kill it

To "kill it" is an idiomatic expression meaning to perform a task with exceptional skill, enthusiasm, or success. While the verb "kill" literally denotes ending a life, this slang usage flips the meaning to represent a high degree of vitality and triumph. The term's origins are often traced to the entertainment industry, particularly stand-up comedy and jazz culture of the mid-20th century, where "killing" an audience meant generating uproarious reaction or applause, whereas "dying" meant failing to engage the crowd.

Perspectives on the term vary based on settings and adherence to inclusive language principles. For the vast majority of English speakers, the phrase has undergone "semantic bleaching," meaning it has lost its literal association with violence and is viewed strictly as high praise. However, proponents of non-violent communication and trauma-informed workplaces argue that idioms rooted in violence (such as "taking a stab at it," "gunning for," or "killing it") contribute to a subliminally aggressive culture. These critics suggest that avoiding such metaphors can create a more psychologically safe environment for all listeners, regardless of their past experiences.

Example:
"The engineering team is absolutely killing it with the new software release."

Example:
"Don't be nervous about the audition; you're going to go in there and kill it."