self-made
2020.12.15
Meaning:
A self-made person is a person who became successful *without* help. Newspapers often describe the new Japanese Prime Minister, Suga-san, as a self-made man because his parents were not rich or in politics (they were farmers). Oprah Winfrey is maybe the greatest example of a self-made person. She was born very poor to a teenage single mother and is now a multi-billionaire, and the owner of her own media network. She is a self-made woman. This expresson has a very positive nuance.
Example:
A: I’m so happy Japan has a self-made man as Prime Minister now! I was so tired of all the rich men from political families being leaders.
B: Yes, I hope his experiences mean he can understand normal people. But I worry that he doesn’t understand us; maybe he thinks everyone can succeed like him.
A: Well, I hope you’re wrong. We’ll see.
Talking Point(s):
Do you wish politicians were all self-made?
大人からの英会話 getgo 西船橋・荻窪・津田沼・本八幡