Quick answer: “Under your belt” means already gained or completed, and available to rely on.
Under your belt — Describes an experience, skill, or achievement that you have already gained or completed, and can therefore rely on going forward.
Origin & History
The image likely comes from the idea of trophies, notches, or wins literally kept 'under' a belt as tokens of past victories or achievements — the more experience under your belt, the more prepared you are.
The figurative use for accumulated experience or achievements has been common in English since the 19th century, and it is now a standard way to describe useful past experience. Figurative expressions of this kind are the sort of entry catalogued by major reference works such as the Cambridge Dictionary, which track how idiomatic meanings develop and spread.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| With five years of teaching under her belt, she felt ready for the new role. | Career |
| He has several marathons under his belt already. | Sport |
| Once you have a few projects under your belt, the process gets easier. | Work experience |
| With that qualification under your belt, you can apply for senior positions. | Career progression |
Dialogue Example
A: Do you think she's ready to lead the project?
B: Definitely — she has three similar projects under her belt already.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
He has experience under the belt.
He has experience under his belt. — The possessive should match the subject: 'his/her/your belt', not 'the belt'.
She has five years in her belt.
She has five years under her belt. — The correct preposition is 'under', not 'in'.
With that under my belt, I'm below the belt now.
'Below the belt' is a different, unrelated idiom meaning unfair. Don't confuse it with 'under your belt'.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Quick Check: Under your belt
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Under your belt” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “Once you have a few projects _____, the process gets easier.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "under your belt" mean?
"Under your belt" describes an experience, skill, or achievement you have already gained or completed, and can rely on going forward.
Where does "under your belt" come from?
The image likely comes from trophies or notches kept under a belt as tokens of past achievements. The figurative use for experience dates to the 19th century.
Can you give an example of "under your belt" in a sentence?
"With five years of teaching under her belt, she felt ready for the new role." It highlights valuable past experience.
Is "under your belt" formal or informal?
It is neutral and works in both spoken and written English, including semi-formal CVs and professional writing.
What CEFR level is "under your belt"?
This idiom is typically taught at B2 level, as it is common in professional and everyday contexts about experience.
What are common mistakes with "under your belt"?
Common mistakes include using 'the belt' instead of matching the possessive to the subject, or confusing it with the unrelated idiom 'below the belt'.
What idioms are similar to "under your belt"?
Similar idioms include: A feather in your cap, In your toolkit, Know the ropes. These describe valuable experience or skill gained.
How do I practise idioms like "under your belt"?
Use LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles, and try listing achievements you have under your belt.
Can "under your belt" be used in writing?
Yes, it is common in CVs, cover letters, and professional writing describing relevant experience.
Does "under your belt" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, it is understood identically in both, and is widely used across all major varieties of English.