make something of (oneself)
To become successful through one's own initiative or efforts. Valerie went back to school because she wanted to make something of herself before it was too late.
make something of
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.
ˈmake something of yourself
be successful in your life: She has the education, the talent and the brains to really make something of herself. make something of
To start a fight or quarrel over.