a legend in (one's) own lifetime

idiomPart oflegend

a legend in (one's) own lifetime — idiom

1. someone who becomes extremely famous and admired while they are still alive, oft

1.idiom
Definition

someone who becomes extremely famous and admired while they are still alive, often for their extraordinary achievements

Example

The scientist won a Nobel Prize at thirty and became a legend in her own lifetime.

Kofi's grandfather was already a legend in his own lifetime, with a stadium named after him.