make mark

make (one's) mark

To do something that will be remembered or that makes one famous or successful; to do something that is very important or meaningful. The actress first made her mark with her incredible performance as Lady Macbeth on Broadway. I chose to pursue a career in medical research so that I might someday make my mark in the world with a groundbreaking discovery.
See also: make, mark
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

make one's mark

to do something that allows one to receive appropriate recognition. Perry made his mark by inventing a special kind of holder for a cell phone.
See also: make, mark
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • all right
  • (one) could use (something)
  • a crack at (someone or something)
  • a walking
  • a walking (something)
  • (you) wanna make something of it?
  • (one) never would have guessed