win one's spurs v. phr. 1. In old times, to be named a knight with the right to wear little sharp spikes on your heels.
A young squire won his spurs in battle. 2. To win fame or honor.
The young lieutenant won his spurs by leading an attack on enemy machine guns. Edison won his spurs as an inventor while rather young. He has yet to win his spurs as a big league ball player. [TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲