be the making of

Idioms

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.

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

He has increased competition in midfield now at Anfield, following the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but this could well be the making of him rather than a hindrance.

From BBC • Jul. 8, 2023

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023