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be the making of

Idioms  
  1. Be the means or cause of progress or success, as in Marriage will be the making of him. This idiom, using making in the sense of “advancement,” was first recorded about 1470.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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Gould said he would repeat the decision to keep the incident under wraps if it were to arise again, while Key believes it will be the "making of" Brook as a captain.

From BBC Mar. 23, 2026

Mikel Arteta said Ethan Nwaneri's loan move to Marseille on Friday will be the making of the 18-year-old.

From Barron's Jan. 23, 2026

Although the trip to Hamburg proved to be the making of the Beatles, it was the unmaking of the relationship between Mr. Williams and the group.

From New York Times Dec. 31, 2016

In so doing, he displayed the kind of mental fortitude that can be the making of a confident striker.

From The Guardian May 6, 2016

Hogwarts will be the making of you, Albus.

From "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by J.K. Rowling

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