make a man of/out of somebody

make a man of someone

Fig. to make a young male into an adult male. The experience will make a man of Ted. Send Wally into the army. That'll make a man of him.

See also: make, man, of

make a ˈman of/out of somebody

make a young man develop and become more adult: My father was very old-fashioned. He was always trying to ‘make a man of me’ by taking me fishing or camping with him.

See also: make, man, of, out, somebody