become a brass

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "become a brass" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to refer to "brass" in a specific context, but without additional context, it is not usable. Example: "He decided to become a brass in the military, aiming for a leadership position."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I become a brass player.

The New Yorker

And, though she is neither a nutritionist nor a dietitian, Ms. Lillien's endorsement has become a brass ring for manufacturers of healthy foods.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Laurie Frink, an accomplished trumpeter who became a brass instructor of widespread influence and high regard, died on Saturday at her home in Manhattan.

The New York Times - Arts

For all the outward-facing spectacle, many of the musicians said they were most excited about seeing one another during what has become a conclave for brass bands marching to an alternative beat.

The New York Times - Arts

What once was a prestigious store with a grand staircase and brass chandeliers, had become a white elephant, with a flaking whitewash facade and boarded-over display windows -- out of sync with Montclair's increasingly tony image.

The New York Times

"They'll all end up big — all of them," he tells his next-door neighbor and only friend, Charley (Stephen McKinley Henderson), whose own son, Bernard Austin Durantt), has grabbed the brass ring and become a successful lawyer.

The New Yorker

Subtly, Hull has become a destination of choice for people keen to experience a Yorkshire beyond Last of the Summer Wine and brass bands.

The Guardian - Travel

Get a Brass Key from the Grand Exchange.

WikiHow

Get inspired by the dining room of this home for sale at 1644 Windermere Drive East, Seattle, WA, where a traditional brass chandelier becomes a quirky accent when paired with a casual sisal rug.

Huffington Post

Holst wrote two suites for military band, in E flat (1909) and F major (1911) respectively, the first of which became and remains a brass band staple.

Wikipedia

For all of the talk about new missions and new thinking, there are still a lot of brass — and those who want to become brass — who don't consider training a warrior's job or a path to promotion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing aspirations for leadership or musical participation, use more specific and conventional phrases such as "rise through the ranks", "become a leader", or "join the brass section".

Common error

Avoid using "become a brass" if you intend to convey becoming a leader or part of an elite group. This phrase is not idiomatic and can lead to confusion. Instead, use established expressions like "rise to a position of authority".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "become a brass" functions as a verb phrase, suggesting a transformation or transition into a state of being. However, its unconventional usage makes its intended meaning unclear. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is not grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

33%

Encyclopedias

0%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "become a brass" is an uncommon and grammatically questionable expression. While the Ludwig examples showcase its occasional appearance in news and media sources, it lacks the clarity and established usage of alternative phrases like "rise through the ranks" or "join the brass section". As Ludwig AI highlights, the phrase is not standard English and should be used with caution, if at all. When intending to convey specific meanings related to leadership, musical participation, or personal development, opting for more conventional phrases is advisable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attain a senior position

Indicates reaching a high level in an organization, highlighting the achievement of a significant role.

rise through the ranks

This alternative focuses on gradual advancement within an organization, emphasizing the process rather than the final status.

enter the leadership echelon

This phrase refers to joining a group of leaders. The meaning has a stronger connotation of entering a leadership role.

become a high-ranking officer

Focuses specifically on achieving a high rank within a hierarchical organization, particularly the military, instead of the more ambiguous "brass".

move into a management role

Specifically refers to taking on responsibilities and authority within a structured organization.

join the brass section

Refers specifically to becoming a member of the brass section in a musical ensemble or orchestra, avoiding the ambiguity of becoming "brass" itself.

gain prominence

Focuses on achieving recognition and influence, shifting the emphasis from a specific position to overall impact.

become bold and assertive

Emphasizes the development of assertive qualities, aligning with one interpretation of "brass" as boldness.

become part of the establishment

Refers to joining the conventional structure of power, with possible political or social implications.

develop a thick skin

This alternative centers on building resilience to criticism, aligning with the idea of becoming tough or unyielding.

FAQs

What does it mean to "rise through the ranks"?

To "rise through the ranks" means to advance gradually in a hierarchical organization, typically through hard work and dedication. It's an alternative to "become a brass", focusing on the progression rather than a specific end-point.

How can I use "join the brass section" in a sentence?

"Join the brass section" refers to becoming a member of the group of musicians who play brass instruments in an orchestra or band. For example, "She practiced diligently to "join the brass section" of the city orchestra".

Is "become a brass" a common saying?

No, "become a brass" is not a common or standard English phrase. It's better to use alternative expressions that more clearly communicate your intended meaning, like "rise through the ranks" or "attain a senior position".

When is it appropriate to use "become bold and assertive"?

"Become bold and assertive" is appropriate when you want to describe the development of a confident and self-assured personality. It's related to the idea of "become a brass" only if you're referring to someone developing a strong and potentially brash character.