make good
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make (something) good
To amend or correct something; to make something more accurate or fair, or return it to its desired position or status. The product broke within a week, but the company made things good by refunding me straight away. I know I said some things I shouldn't have, so I'm here to make things good between us.
make good
To succeed or complete or fulfill something. Often followed by "on." Your mom and dad have sacrificed a lot to send you to college, so you better make good when you're there. You better make good on all the things you said you would deliver, or the client is not going to be happy.
make good (something)
1. To repay or repair something; to amend or correct something. The airlines made good our lost luggage by offering us $3,000 spending money upon our arrival. The judge was satisfied that the accused had made good the property damage to his neighbors.
2. To follow through on doing what was promised or intended. The president made good his promise to raise corporate tax rates and lower income taxes for middle class citizens.
3. To successfully accomplish something. The robber made good his escape through a secret back door in the building that was unknown to police.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
make good (at something)
to succeed at something. Bob worked hard to make good at selling. Jane was determined to make good.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
make good
1. Carry out successfully, make sure of, as in He made good his escape. This usage was first recorded in 1606.
2. Fulfill, as in She made good her promise. This usage was first recorded in Miles Coverdale's 1535 translation of the Bible (II Chronicles 6:16): "Make good unto my father, David ... that which thou hast promised him."
3. Compensate for, make up for, as in They made good the loss. This usage first appeared in William Langland's Piers Ploughman (1377).
4. Succeed, as in He made good as a writer. [c. 1900]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
make good
be successful.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
make ˈgood
(informal) become rich and successful, especially when you have started your life poor and unknown: He’s a local boy made good.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
make good
1. To carry out successfully: made good his escape.
2. To fulfill: made good her promise.
3. To make compensation for; make up for: made good the loss.
4. To succeed: made good as a writer.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.