earn (one's) wings

(redirected from earning their wings)

earn (one's) wings

To prove one's merit and skill. I never thought much of Stu, but he really earned his wings this week with how well he handled the merger.
See also: earn, wing
References in periodicals archive ?
EARNING THEIR WINGS Kim leaves little to the imagination.
Heavenly bodies; kardashians' angels trick is halloween treat
EARNING THEIR WINGS Kim leaves little to the imagination and, above, strutting down the street with her sisters
Sister act; kardashians' angels trick is a real treat..
Successful candidates will complete a six-week training course before earning their wings to fly on board Ryanair aircraft.
Ryanair cabin crew recruitment drive
"Flight Emergency: Take the Left Seat in Eight Role-Playing Emergency Scenarios" is a companion guide to those who are earning their wings and taking to the sky and want to be as prepared as possible for the worst of situations to strike where one wrong move spells their certain death.
The aviation shelf
They are said to include some who are just a few flying hours away from earning their wings as fully qualified pilots.
Trainee pilots set to go in RAF cuts; BRITAIN TODAY: DEFENCE
Earning their wings: The badges are made in the Jewellery Quarter.
SPEED DATING; THEY'VE CURVES IN THE RIGHT PLACES - BUT AT pounds 2m THESE 4 CRACKERS CAN'T BE CALLED CHEAP
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