earn one's spurs
Meaning: To prove one's ability and gain recognition.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “She earned her spurs as a reporter covering local courts.”
Category: Animals
Origin: In the Middle Ages, a squire made a knight received gilded spurs as a sign of the rank. The phrase is also said as "win one's spurs," which is the older form.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Gagner ses éperons — literally: To win one's spurs
More idioms — Animals
- have the inside track — To have an advantage over others.
- a horn of plenty — An abundant source of something.
- hands down — Easily; without question.
- a little bird told me — I learned it from a secret source I won't name.
- snug as a bug in a rug — Very warm and comfortable.
- champ at the bit — To be impatient to start.
More English idioms
- there's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip — Many things can go wrong before a plan succeeds.
- born with a silver spoon in one's mouth — Born into a wealthy, privileged family.
- penny wise and pound foolish — Careful with small amounts of money but wasteful with large ones.
- meet someone halfway — To make a compromise with someone.
- have a free hand — To have freedom to act as one sees fit.
- wear sackcloth and ashes — To show public regret or repentance.
From our proverbs
- Pull gently on a weak rope. — Excessive force on fragile things causes them to break; restraint and care preserve what'…
- It is easier to pull down than to build. — Destruction requires less effort, skill, and time than creating something of lasting valu…
- Many without punishment, none without sin. — Without accountability, wrongdoing flourishes; perfection remains impossible for all mort…