make a man of someone

Imagine your parents think you're too immature for your age and therefore should learn about obligations and responsibility. You two see in making your son join the army a great opportunity to make a man of him. That'll teach him how things work in this world and surely will become more responsible.

When you make a man of someone, it's like you're turning a young male into an adult. But that's not always the case. You can be a male adult, but still very childish. Maybe an experience like getting married or having children will make a man of you. That's it for today. Take care!