Win/earn your spurs
phrase
To prove oneself by performing a noteworthy act, often in a difficult situation.
She really earned her spurs by taking charge of the project when her manager was out sick.
Often appears as...
- really earn your spurs
- prove you've earned your spurs
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To gain experience or mastery in a field, usually after hard work or overcoming obstacles.
He earned his spurs as a reporter in war-torn regions, where the conditions were very difficult.
Often appears as...
- earn your spurs as a
- win your spurs through
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To prove oneself by performing a noteworthy act, often in a difficult situation.
She really earned her spurs by taking charge of the project when her manager was out sick.
Often appears as...
- really earn your spurs
- prove you've earned your spurs
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To gain experience or mastery in a field, usually after hard work or overcoming obstacles.
He earned his spurs as a reporter in war-torn regions, where the conditions were very difficult.
Often appears as...
- earn your spurs as a
- win your spurs through
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Origin
Originally, 'spurs' were awarded to knights. Think of 'earn your spurs' as achieving an honor.
After her successful negotiation, she had earned her spurs with the team.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Achievement
It's used to describe achievements that are figurative, not actual 'spurs'.
He finally earned his spurs with a stellar performance in the finals.
Pro Tip 3/3Career Milestone
Often refers to reaching a significant point or recognition in one's career.
She won her spurs after leading a highly successful campaign.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Origin
Originally, 'spurs' were awarded to knights. Think of 'earn your spurs' as achieving an honor.
After her successful negotiation, she had earned her spurs with the team.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Achievement
It's used to describe achievements that are figurative, not actual 'spurs'.
He finally earned his spurs with a stellar performance in the finals.
Pro Tip 3/3Career Milestone
Often refers to reaching a significant point or recognition in one's career.
She won her spurs after leading a highly successful campaign.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Origin
Originally, 'spurs' were awarded to knights. Think of 'earn your spurs' as achieving an honor.
After her successful negotiation, she had earned her spurs with the team.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Achievement
It's used to describe achievements that are figurative, not actual 'spurs'.
He finally earned his spurs with a stellar performance in the finals.
Pro Tip 3/3Career Milestone
Often refers to reaching a significant point or recognition in one's career.
She won her spurs after leading a highly successful campaign.
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