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Glite Dictionary
to give a good account of oneself

to give a good account of oneself

6.9
To do well in front of others in a difficult situation
  • idiom
translation icon : darse a conocer
  • Despite facing tough questions, the candidate gave a good account of himself during the interview.

Examples

  • He would give a good account of himself if necessary.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • You look like a boy who could give a good account of himself.

    Friendly Persuasion (1956)

  • Despite that bit of misfortune, the Leopards gave a good account of themselves.

    Blog text (19)

  • During the presentation, she gave a good account of herself by confidently sharing her ideas.

  • In the final match, the team gave a good account of themselves, showcasing their skills and teamwork.

Synonyms

to prove oneself
vsto give a good account of oneself
76 4.8

To show you are capable, skilled or brave by meeting a challenge

focuses on general success and favorable impression rather than only capability
to show oneself in the right light
vsto give a good account of oneself
7.2

Make yourself look good to other people

prioritizes actual success and positive outcome in hard situations
to bear oneself with dignity
vsto give a good account of oneself
  • Formal
7.6

To behave calmly and with self-respect in difficult or formal situations

is about achieving good results and a positive effect in challenging situations

Antonyms

to fail
898 1.0

Not succeed in doing something you wanted to do

to underperform
20 5.3

To do worse than expected or needed

How Well

to excel
58 3.7
to give a good account of oneself
6.9
to do well
520 1.2

Surface Forms

give a good account of oneself infinitive
gave a good account of oneself past
given a good account of oneself past participle
giving a good account of oneself present participle
gives a good account of oneself third person singular

Morphology

give + a + good + account + of + oneself

The components ('give' + 'a good account of' + 'oneself') transparently suggest presenting or reporting oneself positively, so there is a clear compositional link to a favourable presentation. However, the specific conventionalised sense 'to perform well' (rather than merely 'to describe oneself well') is an extended, partly idiomatic reading that a B1 learner who only knows the words may not reliably infer without exposure.

Etymology

The phrase give a good account of oneself comes from the idea of someone giving an account about oneself, a 'report' of what you did, to a leader, judge, or teacher. If the 'report' was good you were praised, so today the phrase means 'to perform well' or 'to make a good impression'.