# legend in one's own lifetime

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/legend-in-ones-own-lifetime
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

One who achieves great fame while alive.

## Examples

- He is a legend in his own lifetime because of his music.
- The famous athlete became a legend in his own lifetime after winning five gold medals in a single year.
- Few authors achieve such widespread acclaim that they are considered a legend in their own lifetime before they reach middle age.

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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.