To become (successful). Almost always used in the phrases "amount to anything" or "amount to something," which both mean the same thing. He got arrested so much as a teenager that I never thought he would amount to anything, but look at him now—he's an accomplished musician!

What does it mean to amount to something?

Definition of amount to anything

: to turn out to be (something or someone important, impressive, etc.) I don't think he'll ever amount to anything.

Did not amount to meaning?

: to not consist of very much or of anything of importance The evidence didn't amount to much.