make a name for oneself
to gain fame, to become well-known.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She wants to make a name for herself in the music industry.”
“After winning the national competition, the young athlete began to make a name for himself in professional sports.”
“The ambitious architect worked tirelessly for years, hoping to make a name for herself by designing buildings that challenged traditional urban aesthetics.”
- 01
absence makes the heart grow fonder
One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.
- 02
adorn oneself with borrowed plumes
To claim the honor of another for oneself.
- 03
apply oneself
Synonym of strive: to work hard, to complete an activity with good effort and focus.
- 04
be oneself
To behave or act naturally, without regard to how this behavior is perceived by others.
- 05
bear oneself
To behave and conduct oneself in a particular manner.
- 06
big name
A widely-known reputation, especially one that is favorable.
- 07
box oneself into a corner
To create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.
- 08
buy a dog and bark oneself
To do something that one has hired someone else to do.
Last updated August 10, 2026