go vertical

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiominformal

   to grow or expand very quickly, especially by moving into new areas or markets.

   Grammar: No object; the subject is a company, industry, or career: The startup went vertical.

   Patterns

   • something goes vertical
   • go vertical in something

   After the new funding, the company went vertical and opened offices in five countries.

   The streaming service went vertical, adding games and live sports.

   Her career went vertical after she led the project.

2. 2phraseidiominformal

   to move or turn straight up, or to take off at a steep angle.

   Grammar: Used for aircraft, rockets, or things that rise; no object.

   Patterns

   • something goes vertical

   The jet went vertical and climbed out of sight.

   The rocket went vertical just after launch.

Common combinations

go vertical in business

The firm went vertical in business by buying smaller rivals.

go vertical with a product

They went vertical with a new app for doctors.

go vertical on social media

The brand went vertical on social media, posting videos all day.

Synonyms and how they differ

expand

Neutral and general; 'go vertical' adds the idea of fast, upward growth and is more informal.

take off

Often used for businesses that suddenly succeed; 'go vertical' focuses on growth in size or range.

Opposites

Word family

vertical adjective

Pointing straight up or standing upright.

vertically adverb

In a straight up-and-down direction.

Commonly confused: go vertical or go viral?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “go vertical”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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