go one’s own way: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘go one's own way’ mean?
The idiom "go one's own way" means to make independent choices or decisions, without being influenced by others or conforming to societal expectations.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on one's own" means to do something independently, without help or support from others.
*On one's own* is an English idiom that has been in use for many years. It indicates independence, self-reliance, or doing something without assistance or support from others. The idiom is commonly used in various contexts and can have different meanings depending on the situation.
The idiom "leave someone to their own devices" means to allow someone to do something in their own way, without interference or help from others.
The idiom "know one's own mind" means to have a clear and definite opinion or decision about something. It implies being confident and decisive in one's thoughts and choices.
The idiom "in one's own little way" means to contribute or make a difference, even if it is small or insignificant, according to an individual's own capabilities or circumstances.
Without a doubt, the idiom "in one's own little way" is intriguing. It holds a unique place in the English language, suggesting that each person has a distinct manner of contributing or making a difference. The phrase emphasizes the importance of personal agency and individual actions.
The idiom "in a league of one's own" means to be completely unique or unrivaled, standing out from everyone else in a particular field or category.
The idiom "in and of itself" means that something has its own independent significance or meaning without any external factors or considerations.
The idiom "hold one's own" means to be able to compete or perform adequately in a given situation, often against strong opponents or in challenging circumstances.
The idiom "have one's way" means to get what one wants or to have things done according to one's own preference, often by exerting control or influence over others.
The idiom "have one's way" is used to express the notion of getting what one wants or having control or influence over a situation. It is commonly used in a variety of contexts to convey the idea of achieving one's desired outcome or having things go according to one's wishes.
The idiom "have it your way" means to allow someone to do or have something exactly as they want, without any compromises or objections from others.
The idiom "have a mind of one's own" means to be independent and have one's own opinions or decisions, often disregarding the influence or expectations of others.
Unveiling Self-Directed Paths
The idiom "go one's own way" is a common expression in English, used to convey the idea of individualism and independence. It implies deviating from the norm, breaking away from the expected path, and pursuing one's own desires or goals. This idiom can be traced back to the Middle English period, with "go" referring to the action of proceeding forward and "one's own way" signifying personal direction or choice. It emphasizes personal autonomy and self-determination.
This idiom can be used both literally and figuratively. In a literal sense, it can refer to physically choosing a different path or route than others. Figuratively, it describes following instincts, intuition, or beliefs instead of conforming to societal expectations or norms. It can also signify a desire to pursue interests and ambitions independently, regardless of external influences or opinions.
The idiom "go one's own way" is often associated with courage and non-conformity. It suggests a willingness to take risks, challenge conventional wisdom, and embrace individuality. It requires self-confidence and self-reliance, as it involves trusting one's own judgment and instincts. This idiom is versatile and can be used to describe personal relationships, career choices, artistic pursuits, and lifestyle decisions.
For example, someone might use this idiom to describe a friend who decides to pursue a different career path aligned with their passions, despite societal pressure to follow a traditional route. The idiom "go one's own way" holds cultural significance in American society, aligning with the ideal of individualism deeply ingrained since its founding. Americans often celebrate the spirit of going one's own way and forging a unique path, both literally and figuratively.
The idiom "go one's own way" encompasses individualism, independence, and self-determination. It originated in Middle English and is seen as a symbol of courage, non-conformity, and personal autonomy in American culture. Whether used literally or figuratively, this idiom represents the desire to break free from the norm and pursue dreams and aspirations, forging a unique path in the process. In one's own way, the idiom "go one's own way" is related to other idioms such as "on one's own", "do one's own thing", "have a mind of one's own", "leave someone to their own devices", and "in one's own little way".
Example usage
Examples:
1. Despite her parents' wishes for her to become a doctor, she decided to go her own way and pursue a career in art.
2. The team decided to go their own way and abandon the traditional strategies used by their competitors.
3. After years of following the mainstream fashion trends, she finally decided to go her own way and start her own clothing line.
More "Independence" idioms
