Be your own man/woman
phrase
To be independent and make your decisions without needing help or advice from others.
Despite all the advice from his colleagues, John decided to be his own man and start his own business.
Often appears as...
- decide to be your own man/woman
- choose to be your own man/woman
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To have self-confidence and assertiveness in one's dealings with others.
Jane was not afraid to voice her opinion; she was truly her own woman.
Often appears as...
- voice your opinion as your own man/woman
- show assertiveness as your own man/woman
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To be independent and make your decisions without needing help or advice from others.
Despite all the advice from his colleagues, John decided to be his own man and start his own business.
Often appears as...
- decide to be your own man/woman
- choose to be your own man/woman
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To have self-confidence and assertiveness in one's dealings with others.
Jane was not afraid to voice her opinion; she was truly her own woman.
Often appears as...
- voice your opinion as your own man/woman
- show assertiveness as your own man/woman
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Not Literal
The phrase isn't about physical solitude but about making decisions without external influence.
She decided to travel alone to Europe to be her own woman.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotionally Positive
It often has a positive connotation, implying admiration for someone's independence.
He admired how she would always be her own woman, despite the pressure.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Solo
Independence doesn't mean one always rejects advice, but is selective in considering it.
He is his own man, yet he listens before making his final decision.
Pro Tip 1/3Not Literal
The phrase isn't about physical solitude but about making decisions without external influence.
She decided to travel alone to Europe to be her own woman.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotionally Positive
It often has a positive connotation, implying admiration for someone's independence.
He admired how she would always be her own woman, despite the pressure.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Solo
Independence doesn't mean one always rejects advice, but is selective in considering it.
He is his own man, yet he listens before making his final decision.
Pro Tip 1/3Not Literal
The phrase isn't about physical solitude but about making decisions without external influence.
She decided to travel alone to Europe to be her own woman.
Pro Tip 2/3Emotionally Positive
It often has a positive connotation, implying admiration for someone's independence.
He admired how she would always be her own woman, despite the pressure.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Always Solo
Independence doesn't mean one always rejects advice, but is selective in considering it.
He is his own man, yet he listens before making his final decision.
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