make a name for himself

Definitions

• gain recognition or fame
  To become well-known or famous for one's actions or achievements

• establish a reputation
  To create a positive image or reputation for oneself in a particular field or industry

Examples of make a name for himself

• John worked tirelessly to create a successful startup company, and soon enough, he made a name for himself in the tech industry.

  This idiom means that John became well-known and established in his field due to his hard work and success.

• Through his outstanding athletic performances, Tom has made a name for himself in the world of professional sports.

  In this example, "made a name for himself" refers to the fact that Tom has gained recognition and acclaim due to his exceptional abilities and achievements in sports.

• After publishing his groundbreaking research, Dr. Smith has truly made a name for himself in his academic field.

  This example highlights that Dr. Smith has achieved prominence and recognition through his noteworthy scholarly work.

• With her captivating performances, Maria has made a name for herself in the Broadway community.

  By wowing audiences with her talent and artistry, Maria has earned a reputation and notoriety in her chosen artistic field.

• Michael Jordan's incredible athleticism and determination helped him make a name for himself as one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

  In this example, the idiom is used as a verb phrase, with "make a name for himself" functioning as a single unit. It means that Michael Jordan gained widespread recognition and popularity in his sport due to his remarkable skills and efforts.

• As a struggling actor, Leonardo DiCaprio worked hard to make a name for himself in Hollywood.

  Here, the idiom is used in a sentence structure where the subject performs an action, which in this case is making a name for himself. The expression is commonly used to describe individuals who aspire to establish a prominent reputation in their chosen fields.

• After years of hard work and dedication, Grace Hopper's innovative contributions to computer science finally made a name for herself in the industry.

  This example highlights how the idiom can be applied to professional settings, where an individual's achievements lead to them being recognized in their field.

• Despite facing numerous setbacks, Oprah Winfrey persisted and eventually made a name for herself as a media mogul and philanthropist.

  In this final example, the idiom is utilized in a sentence structure where an action leads to an outcome, which is the phrasing, "made a name for herself." It indicates that Oprah Winfrey achieved prominence and recognition in her industry due to her hard work and perseverance.

Conclusion

The idiom "make a name for himself" is used to describe someone's efforts to gain recognition, fame, or establish a positive reputation for themselves. It implies a focus on achieving success and standing out in a particular field or industry. The phrase can be used to encourage someone to strive for recognition or to acknowledge someone's efforts in gaining attention or respect.

Origin of "make a name for himself"

The origin of the idiom "make a name for himself" can be traced back to the idea of individuals working hard to establish themselves and their reputation in society. The concept of "making a name" for oneself has been present in various cultures and societies throughout history, with people striving to leave a lasting impact and be remembered for their accomplishments.

In English, the phrase likely originated from the idea of individuals wanting to be remembered and respected for their contributions or achievements. It reflects the human desire for recognition and success, and the notion of creating a lasting legacy. Over time, the idiom has become a common way to describe someone's efforts to gain recognition or establish a positive reputation in their chosen field.