assert oneself

phrase

1

: to speak or act in a manner that compels recognition especially of one's rights

… she wants him to learn to assert himself with people in positions of authority.

—Malcolm Gladwell

… a long-suffering Irish community asserted itself by putting its own politicians in power.

—Ellis Cose

2

: to become more strongly apparent : to become clearly seen, known, or experienced

Unbidden, a glint asserts itself in Ms. Brown's eyes …

—Joanne Kaufman

… a passion that through its long suppression was now asserting itself with volcanic necessity.

—Zadie Smith