Institution/Institute in/by himself

In that context, "institute" doesn't work. Try,
He's an institution in his own right.

fatimah0786Thanks in advance.

You're welcome.

Thanks for answering.
I have just read this sentence in an online newspaper: "He is an institution in himself." Is "himself" wrong? Could you please answer? What does the phrase mean in simple English?

fatimah0786He is an institution in himself." Is "himself" wrong?

I don't like it.

fatimah0786Could you please answer?

Thanks for the quick response.

I was in doubt whether we could use it in a negative sense? Can we say "When it comes to high handedness she is an institution in her own right." If we can't, then what would be the antonym for the phrase, since every phrase has its negative counterpart?

fatimah0786Can we say "When it comes to high handedness she is an institution in her own right."

Yes, but beware of the sarcasm involved (because describing someone as an "institution" is usually used for praise).

fatimah0786every phrase has its negative counterpart

I'm not so sure about that.