win one's spurs

idiom

The phrase "win one's spurs" originates from medieval times when knights earned spurs as a symbol of their bravery and knighthood. Today, it is used more broadly to mean earning recognition or proving one's abilities.

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Definition

C2Historical

(archaic)To earn knighthood by demonstrating bravery in battle.

Example

In medieval times, a squire would win his spurs by showing courage on the battlefield.

C1General

(informal)To achieve recognition or prove one's abilities, especially through hard work or in a challenging situation.

Example

She won her spurs as a talented journalist with her groundbreaking report.
After years of dedication, he finally won his spurs in the competitive world of finance.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "win one's spurs":

make one's bones feather in one's cap break one's duck earn one's keep pay one's dues put spurs to win the day make one's mark work one's way up fill one's boots break a lance hit one's stride