Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[zephyrblows]

Dear teachers:

I've heard someone say that "sky's the limit" can be used to describe a promising person or occasion.

But what I remember is that "sky's the limit" is used when you think spreading money out is OK.

Would you tell me how "sky's the limit" is used?Thank you very much!

[Harmony]

Hi Zephyrblows,

"The sky's the limit" generally means "the possibilities are endless".

As you mentioned, it can also mean there's no limit in terms of spending money.

Here's the two-part definition given by the Cambridge International Dictionary of Idioms:

The sky's the limit:
1. there is no limit to what something or someone can achieve - With two important film roles and a major award, it seems like the sky's the limit for this talented young actress.
2. there is no limit - Smaller sailboats can be reasonably priced, but for bigger boats the sky's the limit.

http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=sky*1+0&dict=I

~ ~ ~ Harmony