“gagner ses éperons” is a French saying meaning “to gain one’s spurs.” It means to get a promotion, to rise in rank, or to accede to a higher social status. Similar English expressions include “to earn one’s stripes” or “to win one’s spurs.” The French idiom only appeared in the 19th century, but makes a reference to the Middle Ages, to the process by which a man became a knight. This usually occurred after some kind of daring action or bravery that earned him a knighthood. He was given weapons and a pair of spurs, symbolising his new, higher rank.

A corresponding saying from the same period is “couper les éperons” (to cut the spurs), meaning to lose one’s rank due to disloyalty or other serious offenses.

Don’t miss out on new posts – subscribe now!