the measure of a man

the measure of a man

That which determines or demonstrates the fundamental worth of a person. Used primarily but not solely in reference to males. We're programmed from a young age to associate success with wealth, but the measure of a man is not the size of his bank account. My father always taught me that the real measure of a man is the respect and goodwill he engenders in others.

See also: man, measure, of

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.