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make good

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make good (at something)

to succeed at something. Bob worked hard to make good at selling. Jane was determined to make good.

See also: good, make

make good

to become successful He was represented as the local boy who made good in Hollywood.

See also: good, make

make good somebody's something

to succeed in doing something difficult She made good her escape from the hospital.

See also: good, make

make (it) good

  (American & Australian)

to become successful or to achieve something you want The film's main character is a poor Mexican boy who made it good in Chicago. He'll make good, you'll see. He works hard and knows what he's after.

See also: good, make

make good

1. Carry out successfully, make sure of, as in He made good his escape. This usage was first recorded in 1606.

2. Fulfill, as in She made good her promise. This usage was first recorded in Miles Coverdale's 1535 translation of the Bible (II Chronicles 6:16): "Make good unto my father, David ... that which thou hast promised him."

3. Compensate for, make up for, as in They made good the loss. This usage first appeared in William Langland's Piers Ploughman (1377).

4. Succeed, as in He made good as a writer. [c. 1900]

See also: good, make

make good

1. To carry out successfully: made good his escape.

2. To fulfill: made good her promise.

3. To make compensation for; make up for: made good the loss.

4. To succeed: made good as a writer.

See also: good, make