PhrasesHub

feather in his cap

    Definitions

      • to have a symbol of achievement or honor
        To signify a noteworthy accomplishment or success that someone has achieved, often used to acknowledge someone's pride or sense of achievement

      • to possess something of value or distinction
        To indicate that someone has gained something valuable or unique, often used to highlight a person's collection of positive attributes or experiences

    Examples of feather in his cap

    • The scientist's latest breakthrough was the feather in his cap, as his previous research had not gained him much recognition.

      The phrase "feather in his cap" here means a great achievement or success that adds to a person's already established reputation. The scientist's previous work had not brought much recognition, but his recent breakthrough was a significant accomplishment that added to his reputation.

    • The athlete's victory in the major tournament was the feather in her cap, as she had been struggling with injuries and inconsistent performance earlier.

      In this example, the "feather in her cap" refers to a significant achievement that overcomes previous struggles. The athlete had faced injuries and inconsistent performance, but her victory in the major tournament was a significant achievement that added to her reputation.

    • The CEO's presentation impressed the investors, which was the feather in his cap as his company had been facing financial difficulties.

      In this example, "feather in his cap" means a significant achievement that overcomes a previous challenge. The CEO's presentation impressed the investors, which was a significant achievement as his company had been facing financial difficulties.

    • The teacher's student won a national award, which was a feather in her cap, as the school had not produced such talented students in the past.

      In this example, "feather in her cap" refers to a significant achievement that adds to a person's own or their organization's reputation. The teacher's student won a national award, which was a significant achievement as the school had not produced such talented students in the past. It added to the teacher's and the school's reputation as well.

    • John's partnership with the renowned artist brought him a feather in his cap.

      This means that John's collaboration with the celebrated artist added a notable achievement to his portfolio, which is an honorable accomplishment and lends credibility to his reputation.

    • Sarah's hard work and dedication have earned her a feather in her cap.

      This implies that Sarah's long hours and persistent efforts have resulted in a major achievement, which has raised her stature in her profession.

    • Anna's success in the international competition was a feather in her cap.

      This suggests that Anna's win in the global tournament has elevated her status in her field and improved her prestige.

    • Mark's receipt of the prestigious award was a feather in his cap.

      This indicates that Mark's recognition with the prestigious accolade has enhanced his repute and prominence in his industry.In each of these examples, 'feather in his cap' is a metaphorical expression used to denote a notable accomplishment, a significant achievement, or a prestigious honor that adds to one's reputation, status, or prestige. Essentially, it implies a feather sewn into a cap to indicate its owner's rank or social status, similarly, these achievements are marks of distinction.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "feather in his cap" is commonly used to represent a notable achievement or possession of something valuable. It can be employed to praise someone for their accomplishments or to emphasize their possession of positive qualities or experiences.

    In everyday conversations, people may use this idiom to compliment others on their successes or to acknowledge the unique qualities they possess. It serves as a way to highlight and celebrate personal achievements or attributes that are considered valuable or admirable.

    Remember, using "feather in his cap" is a way to show admiration or recognition for someone's accomplishments or possessions that are regarded as special or noteworthy.

    Origin of "feather in his cap"

    The origin of the idiom "feather in his cap" dates back to medieval times when warriors would add a feather to their cap for each enemy they defeated in battle. This practice symbolized their victories and served as a visible representation of their achievements.

    Over time, the meaning of the idiom evolved to represent any notable accomplishment or possession of something valuable. It has become a popular phrase in English language usage, often used to acknowledge and celebrate success or unique qualities in individuals. The historical context of warriors adding feathers to their caps has contributed to the idiom's association with achievement and distinction.