ENGLISH
REFERENCE

make good

idiom
Meaning

To achieve substantial success in life, often in business.


Examples
SIMPLE

He left his small town to make good in the city.

CONTEXTUAL

She started with nothing but worked hard and made good within ten years.

COMPLEX

Against all odds, the son of a farmer had made good, building a shipping empire that spanned three continents.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a good deal

    Very much; to a great extent; a lot; lots.

  2. 02

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  3. 03

    all good

    It's all good.

  4. 04

    bill of goods

    A set of misleading or deceptive claims.

  5. 05

    but good

    To a high degree; very thoroughly; in a most definite manner.

  6. 06

    cannot make it

    Cannot reach satisfactory or expected standards or do something competently; describes someone in a hopeless situation.

  7. 07

    come from a good place

    To be motivated by decency, kindness, or good intentions.

  8. 08

    come up with the goods

    To produce what was expected or required.

Last updated April 17, 2026