# build character

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/build-character
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To improve a person's character by developing personality traits such as resilience or responsibility.

## Examples

- Doing difficult chores helps you build character.
- My father always said that working a summer job in the heat would build character.
- Although the grueling training program was exhausting, the coach insisted that the struggle would ultimately build character in his young athletes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.