It may describe one singularly successful (4-4)

I believe the answer is:

self-made

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'successful' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for self-made that I've seen before include "Endurance and strength" , "This man created his own success" , "Having succeeded by one's own efforts" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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