- Meaning
- This idiom refers to an achievement or honor that one can be proud of, often a notable accomplishment that enhances one’s reputation. The ‘feather’ symbolizes a mark of distinction, like a trophy or badge, and the phrase is used to celebrate successes in professional, personal, or creative endeavors.
- Origin
- The phrase originates from a historical practice where warriors or hunters added feathers to their headgear to signify victories or kills, common in cultures like Native American tribes, medieval Europe, and Ottoman Turkey. In English, it appeared by the 16th century, with early uses in ballads and plays. Shakespeare’s *Henry VI, Part 2* (1591) references feathers as symbols of valor. By the 18th century, it was a metaphor for any notable achievement, as seen in Samuel Johnson’s essays. Its use persists in modern English, often in formal or congratulatory contexts.
- Variants
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- Feather in your cap
- A feather in your hat
- Examples
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- Winning the award was a feather in her cap, proving her talent to the industry.
- Securing that major client is a feather in your cap—great job!
- Publishing his novel was a feather in his cap, a lifelong dream fulfilled.
- Her successful charity event was another feather in her cap, boosting her community standing.
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