make good

To do what you promised or planned, or successfully complete an action.

• They made good on their promise.
• The thief made good his escape through a side door.
• Will she make good on her threat to resign?

How to use it: make good something (The prisoner made good his escape.); make good on something (We will make good on our promise.)

Similar words: fulfil, carry out

Common phrases: make good promises, make good threats, make good escapes

To repair damage, correct a problem, or pay for a loss.

• We will make good the damage.
• The firm made good my losses after the error.
• Who must make good any shortfall in the fund?

How to use it: make good something (The builder agreed to make good the damage.)

Similar words: repair, remedy, compensate for

Common phrases: make good damage, make good losses, make good defects

To become successful, especially by earning money or doing well in your career.

• He left home and made good.
• She hopes to make good in business.
• Several young actors from our town have made good abroad.

How to use it: make good in something (She made good in the clothing business.)

Similar words: succeed, prosper

Opposites: fail

Common phrases: make good abroad, make good professionally

To bet the same amount as another player so you can stay in the game.

• She made good the opening bet.
• He lacked enough chips to make good the bet.
• Would you make good that bet with such a weak hand?

How to use it: make good a bet (He made good the bet and waited for another card.)

Similar words: call, match

Opposites: fold

Common phrases: make good bets, make good stakes

To repair a surface so it is flat and even.

• Make good the floor before laying tiles.
• The builder made good the plaster around the new socket.
• These rough patches need making good before we decorate.

How to use it: make good something (Make good the wall before applying fresh paint.)

Similar words: level, smooth

Common phrases: make good surfaces, make good plaster