builds character

Something that either your parents or grandparents or another memeber of your family tells you happens, but it actually doesn't. It's just to sucker you into doing the activity.
C'mon, help your grandmother adjust her girdle. It builds character!
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builds character

A term used by parents and guardians to give certain weight to doing tasks normally not enjoyed/wanted (ie chores, homework).

"Building character" should be defined as creating strength within yourself to complete tasks that you normally would not appreciate doing when you don't have someone forcing your actions.
Son : But, MOM!!! I don't want to mow the grass!
Mother : Do it anyway.
Father : Yes, son, it builds character.
by dezy July 07, 2004
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Any personal happening that is so absolutely awful, embarrassing, or painful that, in order to make one feel better about it, its very existence must be given some sort of arbitrary purpose, such as "building character."
My home is at least five miles away and I have no car, no money, and no pants. Now, to get there. This'll be a character building experience.
by itselll February 17, 2011
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