PhrasesHub

a feather in his cap

    Definitions

      • recognition or achievement
        To signify a notable accomplishment or recognition that adds to one's reputation or success

      • personal pride or satisfaction
        To indicate a source of personal pride or satisfaction, often from achieving a success or receiving recognition

    Examples of a feather in his cap

    • After giving a successful presentation in front of the board, John felt a flurry of applause and compliments, which gave him a feather in his cap.

      A feather in his cap is an idiom that means an achievement that enhances your reputation or self-esteem. In this example, John successfully presented himself in front of the board, which added a feather to his cap, meaning he felt a sense of achievement and self-respect.

    • Lucy, who was already a famous singer, received a standing ovation from the audience after she sang the national anthem at the award ceremony. This high-profile event gave her another feather in her cap.

      This example highlights the fact that an already accomplished personality can receive another accolade, which further boosts her/his reputation.

    • The sports journalist, who has covered most of the major sports events, got a chance to interview the sports legend in his last assignment. This gave him a feather in his cap as he was proud to have interviewed one of the most iconic sports personalities.

      An individual who has gained a certain level of expertise or experience in the field may consider an exceptional achievement as a feather in their cap as it adds to their prestige and credibility in the industry.

    • The young entrepreneur, who started his company in his garage, saw his business grow rapidly and received recognition from the industry experts. The unexpected success of his company gave him multiple feathers in his cap, which boosted his confidence and opened doors to new opportunities.

      This example highlights the fact that an individual may experience multiple successes or achievements, which all contribute to his/her overall prestige and profile in the industry.

    • The athlete's recent victory in the Olympics, which was unprecedented, has turned into a feather in his cap.

      When someone achieves a significant accomplishment, a feather can be added to their cap as recognition. Here, we can say that the athlete's superlative performance in the Olympics has added a feather to his cap.

    • After delivering an impressive presentation at the conference, the CEO was acknowledged with a feather in his cap.

      This idiom can be used when someone receives recognition for their work. The CEO's remarkable presentation earned him a feather in his cap due to its quality, innovation, and success.

    • The singer's concert, which was sold out, has drawn quite a feather in his cap.

      This idiom can also be used to signify achievements in artistic fields. The sold-out concert of the singer has been a feather in his cap since it indicates his popularity and talent.

    • The student's first-rank in the exam was the feather in his cap.

      Academic excellence is also a matter of pride, and students that achieve high ranks in their exams can be said to have a feather in their cap. This idiom is easy to understand and use in contexts related to educational attainment.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a feather in his cap" is commonly used to highlight achievements, recognitions, or sources of personal pride. It suggests that the mentioned accomplishment or recognition is significant and adds to the individual's reputation or sense of satisfaction. People use this phrase to acknowledge someone's success or to express their own pride in their achievements.

    In everyday conversations, you might hear this idiom used in contexts such as congratulating someone on a job well done, praising a person for a noteworthy accomplishment, or highlighting a personal achievement with a sense of pride. It's a colorful way to celebrate successes and recognize the efforts that lead to positive outcomes.

    Origin of "a feather in his cap"

    The origin of the idiom "a feather in his cap" dates back to medieval times when knights would wear plumes or feathers in their helmets to signify their achievements in battle or tournaments. Each feather represented a specific victory or act of bravery, adding to the knight's prestige and reputation. Over time, this practice evolved into a symbol of honor and recognition. The idiom has since been adopted into everyday language to convey a sense of accomplishment or pride in one's achievements, much like the knights of old proudly displaying their feathers in their caps.