Feather in One’s Cap 🎩
Definition: A special honor or achievement.
Origin: This term comes from the custom of numerous peoples – American Indian tribes, Turks, Himalayan peoples, among others – of placing a feather in a soldier’s cap for every enemy he kills. The term began to be used figuratively by the early seventeenth century and was a cliché by the time Laurence Sterne wrote, “The feather put into his cap of having been abroad” (Tristram Shandy, 1761–67).
Similar Expressions:
- Badge of honor
- Notch in one’s belt
- Jewel in the crown
- Another medal for the chest
Proverbs and Common Phrases:
- “Pride cometh before the fall.” (Related in context of overconfident achievements)
- “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” (Be sure your achievements are real)
Fine Feathers Quotes:
- “Achievement is the crowned queen of effort.” — James Allen
- “A bird hunter has a feather in his cap; a computer nerd has a byte in his hat!” — Anon
Literature/Books Related to the Theme:
- “Tristram Shandy” by Laurence Sterne 📖
- “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald (themes of achievement and recognition)
Songs:
- “We Are the Champions” by Queen 🎶
- “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor
Movies:
- “Chariots of Fire” 🎥
- “Rocky” (all about earning those figurative feathers in one’s cap)
Inspirational Farewell Thought:
Remember, every feather you add to your cap tells a story—make it one worth re-telling! Until next time, keep achieving and keep believing.
### Which idiom means a special honor or achievement?
- [ ] Cry over spilled milk
- [ ] Cat got your tongue
- [x] Feather in one’s cap
- [ ] Call it a day
> **Explanation:** "Feather in one’s cap" refers to a special honor or achievement, symbolized by placing a feather in one's cap.
### Which phrase is a genuine idiom?
- [x] Feather in one’s cap
- [ ] Spoon in the soup
- [ ] Rainbow in the pocket
- [ ] Squawk in the nest
> **Explanation:** "Feather in one’s cap" is a real idiom meaning a special honor or achievement. The others are just made-up fun nonsense.
### True or False: 'A feather in his hat' has the same meaning as 'a feather in one’s cap.'
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Both phrases convey the same idea of recognizing an honor or achievement, symbolically illustrating pride in one’s accomplishments.
### Which of these expressions can be used as a figurative 'feather in one's cap'?
- [x] Winning a prestigious award
- [ ] Eating an extra slice of pizza
- [ ] Washing your car
- [ ] Taking a long nap
> **Explanation:** Winning a prestigious award is a special honor or achievement, much like adding “a feather in one’s cap.”
### Choose the synonym for "a feather in one's cap."
- [x] Badge of honor
- [ ] Cry over spilled milk
- [ ] A bird in the hand
- [ ] Slip of the tongue
> **Explanation:** "Badge of honor" is a synonym for "a feather in one’s cap," both implying recognition of a significant achievement.
