earn one's spurs

present singular third person earns one's spurs · participle present earning one's spurs · participle past earned one's spurs · past earned one's spurs · participle past earnt one's spurs · past earnt one's spurs

1. Synonym of win one's spurs.

   Further, many of these veteranos had earned their spurs, so to speak, and were respected and looked up to as male role models, even though they no longer were active bangers or slangers.

   2007, James Diego Vigil, The Projects: Gang and Non-Gang Families in East Los Angeles

   Synonyms: win one's spurs