Have you ever heard someone say that they have made a career of something? This common idiom is often used to describe someone who has dedicated their life to a particular profession or pursuit. It suggests that the person in question has not just worked in this field, but has actively pursued it as a long-term goal.
The phrase “make a career of” can be used in many different contexts, from sports to music to business. It implies that the person has put in significant time and effort into developing their skills and expertise, with the intention of building a successful and fulfilling career.
While making a career out of something may seem like an obvious goal for many people, it’s important to note that not everyone approaches their work with this mindset. Some people may simply see their job as a means to an end, while others may be content with working in one field for only a short period of time before moving on.
Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “make a career of”
The phrase “make a career of” is commonly used in English to describe someone who has chosen to pursue a particular profession or activity as their life’s work. However, the origins and historical context of this idiom are not well known.
One possible explanation for the origin of this phrase is that it comes from the French word “carrière,” which means “career” or “course.” This word was often used in medieval times to refer to the path taken by knights during tournaments or battles. Over time, it came to be associated with any long-term pursuit or occupation.
Another possible explanation is that the phrase comes from the Latin word “carrus,” which means “cart” or “wagon.” In ancient Rome, people would often make a living by transporting goods using carts or wagons. This required skill and dedication, much like pursuing a career today.
Regardless of its exact origins, it is clear that the concept of making a career out of something has been around for centuries. Throughout history, people have pursued various professions and activities with passion and dedication, hoping to achieve success and fulfillment in their chosen field.
Today, we continue to use this idiom to describe those who have made a commitment to their careers and are working hard towards achieving their goals. Whether you’re an artist, athlete, entrepreneur, or anything in between, making a career out of your passions requires perseverance and determination – qualities that have been valued throughout human history.
Usage and Variations of the Idiom “make a career of”
When we talk about making a career of something, we refer to someone who has dedicated their life to a particular profession or activity. This idiom is often used to describe individuals who have pursued their passion and turned it into a successful career. However, there are several variations of this idiom that can be used in different contexts.
Variation 1: “Make a living out of”
This variation is similar to “make a career of” but implies more focus on earning money rather than pursuing one’s passion. For example, someone may say, “I make a living out of selling cars,” meaning they earn their income from selling cars.
Variation 2: “Devote oneself to”
While not an exact synonym for “make a career of,” this variation conveys the same idea that someone has dedicated themselves fully to something. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts. For instance, one might say, “She devoted herself to her family,” indicating that she prioritized her family above all else.
- “Make it one’s life’s work”: This phrase emphasizes the long-term commitment required when making something your life’s work.
- “Pursue relentlessly”: This phrase suggests that someone is actively striving towards achieving their goal despite obstacles.
- “Follow in the footsteps”: This phrase refers to following the path set by those who came before you in your chosen field.
Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “make a career of”
To begin with, there are several synonyms that can be used in place of “make a career of”. These include “pursue a profession”, “devote oneself to a vocation”, and “establish oneself in an occupation”. On the other hand, some antonyms for this idiom would be phrases like “dabble in something” or “try one’s hand at something”.
It is interesting to note that the concept of making a career out of one’s work is deeply ingrained in Western culture. In many other parts of the world, people may not view their jobs as defining their entire identity or purpose in life. However, in countries like the United States and Canada, having a successful career is often seen as essential to achieving personal fulfillment.
Furthermore, there are certain industries where making a career out of one’s work is particularly valued. For example, professions like law or medicine require years of education and training before someone can truly establish themselves as experts in their field. In contrast, careers like acting or music may have less clear-cut paths to success but still require significant dedication and hard work.
Practical Exercises for the Idiom “make a career of”
Exercise 1: Writing Prompts
Choose one of the following writing prompts and use the idiom “make a career of” in your response:
- Write about someone who has made a career out of their passion.
- Describe a time when you realized that you wanted to make a career out of something.
- Explain why some people choose to make a career out of something they don’t enjoy.
Exercise 2: Role Play
In pairs or small groups, create role play scenarios where one person wants to make a career out of something but is unsure how to do so. Use the idiom “make a career of” in your dialogue and try to come up with creative solutions for achieving this goal.
Note: Remember that idioms are not always used literally, so be sure to pay attention to context clues when practicing this idiom.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “make a career of”
When using the idiom “make a career of,” it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that can lead to misunderstandings. This phrase is often used to describe someone who has dedicated themselves to a particular profession or activity, but there are nuances and subtleties that can trip up even native English speakers.
Mistake #1: Assuming It Only Refers to Paid Work
One common mistake is assuming that “making a career” only refers to paid work. While this is certainly one interpretation, it’s not the only one. Someone could make a career out of volunteering, for example, or pursuing an artistic passion without ever earning money from it.
Mistake #2: Overusing It in Casual Conversation
Another mistake is overusing the phrase in casual conversation. While “making a career” might sound impressive or professional, using it too frequently can come across as pretentious or insincere. Instead, try using more specific language when describing your goals or aspirations.
- Avoid saying: “I’m making a career out of playing video games.”
- Instead say: “I’m hoping to become a professional gamer.”
Mistake #3: Ignoring Context and Tone
Finally, it’s important to pay attention to context and tone when using this idiom. Depending on how it’s said and in what context, “making a career” can convey different meanings and emotions. For example:
- Saying “I want to make a career out of helping others” might come across as noble and selfless.
- Saying “He made a whole damn career out of being lazy” might come across as sarcastic or critical.
By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can use the idiom “make a career of” more effectively and avoid any unintended misunderstandings.