earn/win (your) spurs

to do something to show that you deserve a particular position and have the skills needed for it.

He won his political spurs fighting hospital closures during his time as a local councillor in Bristol.

• in the wake of something
• in the way
• in the way of
• in the way of something
• in the wilderness
• in the wind
• in the wings
• in the works
• in the world
• in the worst way
• in the wrong
• in the wrong place
• in the wrong place at the wrong time
• in this day and age
• in this regard
• in time
• in time for
• in time for something
• in token of
• in token of something
• into overdrive
• in total
• into the bargain
• into the pot
• into the wide blue yonder