to successfully create or get something, especially a work position, by working for it

He hopes to carve out a niche for himself as a leading researcher in his field of study. 他希望在自己的研究领域里闯出一个学术带头人的地位。

She carved out a reputation for herself as an aggressive manager. 她作为一个咄咄逼人的经理人名声在外。