Be a law unto yourself
idiom
To act in a way that does not accept the control or influence of others.
He never listens to his boss, he's a law unto himself.
Often appears as...
- he's a law unto himself
- you're a law unto yourself
Usage tips
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Informal Usage
This phrase is casual, used mostly in spoken conversation or informal writing.
My uncle doesn't care about conventions; he's a law unto himself.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Implication
The phrase can imply someone is difficult to manage or control, not always positive.
In meetings, Lisa is a law unto herself, often disrupting the agenda.
Pro Tip 3/3Unique Behavior
Emphasizes a person's unique way of doing things, differing from the group.
He paints in the dark; truly, he's a law unto himself.
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