The qualities, ingredients, or potential that something has to become successful or develop into something; what is needed to create something.
From 'making' (the act of creating), from Old English 'macian' (to make). The plural form suggests multiple elements or components that together create potential.
The phrase 'has the makings of' is interesting because it assigns potential rather than achievement—we're really saying 'contains the ingredients that could, if combined properly, create success.'
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