make something of

Idioms  

1. Render important or useful; improve. For example, Dad hoped Tim would make something of himself . [Late 1700s]

2. Give undue importance to something, especially a problem or disagreement, as in Ann decided to make something of it when Bob said women's studies is not a real discipline . This usage sometimes is put as make something out of nothing , as in So what if Jim had coffee with your girlfriend—don't make something out of nothing . For an antonym, see make nothing of , def. 1.

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Example Sentences

The people who end up with relationships that feel uniquely "meant to be" are often the ones who stopped waiting for fate, turned towards the flawed person in front of them and said, in effect: shall we make something of this?

From BBC

I am to this day faithfully obsessed with his methods and writing style, but as I arrived in Los Angeles, I was just hoping to write one sentence one day as good as any one sentence in “Garp,” and by so doing, make something of myself.

From Los Angeles Times

A government spokesperson called the number of young people outside education, work or training a crisis that couldn't be ignored and said a review by Alan Milburn would help build a system that ensured every young person had an opportunity to make something of their lives.

From BBC

“Being from this city, man — it’s kind of like a weird place, because it’s not Inglewood and it’s not Manhattan Beach, it’s just its own little world. I always would tell myself, ‘One day I’m really going to make it out of this place and make something of myself,” said the rapper from the center stage.

From Los Angeles Times

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said the plans would help out-of-work young people "make something of their lives".

From BBC