make a name for oneself

Achieve distinction, become prominent or well known, as in Martha is making a name for herself as an excellent chef. The earliest recorded use of this term was in John Wycliffe's followers' translation of the Bible (II Samuel 8:13): “Forsooth David made to him a name.” Also see make one's mark.

Words nearby make a name for oneself

make a laughingstock of, make a living, make a long story short, make a monkey out of, make a mountain out of a molehill, make a name for oneself, make a night of it, make a note of, make a nuisance of oneself, make a pass at, make a pig of oneself