make a name for oneself
To become recognized in a field of endeavor; become a celebrity.
Joe has worked so hard at soybean trading that he made quite a name for himself as a trader.
Bill has made a name for himself both as a pianist and as a composer.
make a nuisance of oneself
To constantly bother others.
The screaming kids made a nuisance of themselves around the swimming pool.
make a pig of oneself
To overindulge; eat too much.
Mary said, "This dessert is so delicious that I am going to make a pig of myself and have some more."
make an exhibition of oneself
To behave foolishly or embarrassingly in public.
Stop drinking so much and making an exhibition of yourself.
make oneself at home
To feel comfortable; act as if you were in your own home.
If you get to my house before I do, help yourself to a drink and make yourself at home.
John was an outdoor man and could make himself at home in the woods at night.
make oneself scarce
To leave quickly; go away.
The boys made themselves scarce when they saw the principal coming to stop their noise.
A wise mouse makes himself scarce when a cat is nearby.
occupy oneself
To make oneself busy with.
Having retired from business, he now occupies himself with his stamp collection.
paint oneself into a corner
To get oneself into a bad situation that is difficult or impossible to get out of.
By promising to both lower taxes and raise the defense budget, the president has painted himself into a corner.