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

After 22 appearances as a teenager for Chelsea, many expected a loan stint at Norwich and a season of regular football to be the making of Gilmour.

From BBC • Jul. 5, 2022

Paradoxically, I think it might be the making of her.

From The Guardian • Mar. 9, 2017

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

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