make it

(from Idioms in Speech)

(a) to succeed in traversing a certain distance; to reach the station in time to catch the train; to complete something in the allotted time set;

With a bit of luck we should be there in about half an hour. We might even make it in time for you to forget you missed the train. (D. Cusack)

(b) to be successful

"I've been meaning to get in touch with you," he said apologetically at last, "but somehow in the last week or so I just haven't been able to make it." (D. Cusack)

The list of examinations which stood between Erik and the degree was made even more formidable by Maxwell's quiet recitation. "Some fellows make it, and others don't. It depends on what you want." "I want to make it," said Erik simply. "I want to take my Ph. D. and then go on and do research." (M. Wilson)

"What have you got to say now?" He pointed to the chart. "Look at it. If you'd give me just one more week -- just one more -- we could make it easily." (M. Wilson)

I shall have to use my own spare time, of course, and that skinflint Richards isn't even allowing me a quid or two for expenses, but I'll make it. (J. Wain)