feather in (one's) cap


a feather in (one's) cap

An accomplishment or achievement that one takes pride in. If this clinical trial is successful, it will be a real feather in her cap. I can't wait until I'm named valedictorian— it's such a feather in my cap!See also: cap, feather

feather in (one's) cap

A big achievement or accomplishment. Earning that full scholarship to Yale is quite a feather in his cap. Getting promoted to management after spending only a month at the new job was a feather in her cap.See also: cap, feather

feather in one's cap

Fig. an honor; a reward for something. Getting a new client was really a feather in my cap. John earned a feather in his cap by getting an A in physics.See also: cap, feather

a feather in your cap

an achievement to be proud of. Originally (in the late 17th century), a feather in your cap was taken as a sign of foolishness. However, by the mid 18th century the phrase was acquiring its modern positive sense. 1998 Times To take six wickets in the last innings of the game was a feather in his cap. See also: cap, feather

a ˈfeather in your cap

an achievement, a success or an honour which you can be proud of: It’s a real feather in his cap to represent his country in the Olympics. OPPOSITE: a black mark (against somebody)This idiom comes from the Native American custom of giving a feather to somebody who had been very brave in battle.See also: cap, feather

feather in (one's) cap

An act or deed to one's credit; a distinctive achievement.See also: cap, feather

a feather in your cap

An honor. If you were praised or awarded a commendation, you had a feather in your cap. The phrase was most likely inspired by the idea that heroic Native American warriors were given additional plumage for their war bonnets.See also: cap, feather