The term "self-made man" is often used to describe someone who has achieved great success through their own initiative, without help from others. However, there are many alternative phrases that can be used to convey similar meanings. One potential synonym is "autodidact," which refers to someone who has taught themselves through self-study. Another option is "bootstrap entrepreneur," which suggests someone who has built a successful business from scratch. "Rags-to-riches" is another popular phrase used to describe people who have overcome poverty or difficult circumstances to achieve success. Ultimately, there are many ways to describe someone who has achieved great success through their own efforts and determination.