prove oneself
Show your worth
To prove oneself is to demonstrate one's abilities, worth, or character through action rather than words.
The phrase implies skepticism that must be overcome—someone doubts you, or you doubt yourself: She felt she had to prove herself in a male-dominated field.
Often appears with "to": He's still trying to prove himself to his father.
- establishCreate formally, permanently
- put to the testEvaluated under pressure
- demonstrateShow or prove something
- showMake something apparent
- effortApplied energy toward goals
success · recognition · credibility · persistence · courage · mettle · vindicate · endurance · trustworthiness · mastery · merit · determination · trial by fire · pass muster · cut the mustard · grit · accomplishment · make one's mark
- reflexive actions
- accomplishaccomplish, achieve, complete, do, finish
prove oneselffall short
Fail to reach standard
come up short · choke · disappoint · underperform · fail the test
prove oneselfshy away
Withdraw from reluctantly
hold back · play it safe · coast · phone it in · go through the motions
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