give a good account of oneself

What is the origin of the idiom "give a good account of oneself" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "give a good account of oneself" can be traced back to military terminology. In the context of warfare, soldiers were expected to give a detailed and accurate account of their actions and conduct during battles or engagements. This reporting was essential for assessing the performance and effectiveness of the troops. It is commonly employed in competitive settings such as sports events, job interviews, academic exams, or public speaking engagements in which someone is expected to perform well or handle challenging situations effectively.