Do your own thing
verb phrase
To do what you want to do, not caring or worrying about what other people think or say.
You don't have to follow the crowd. You can do your own thing.
Often appears as...
- do your own thing!
- let him do his own thing
Usage tips
Informal
verb phrase
To decide your activity or career without following others.
Instead of entering his family's business, he decided to do his own thing.
Often appears as...
- decide to do his own thing
- trying to do her own thing
verb phrase
To act according to your personal manner, regardless of societal norms or expectations.
She doesn't care what's fashionable – she just does her own thing.
Often appears as...
- does her own thing
- does his own thing
Usage tips
Informal
verb phrase
To do what you want to do, not caring or worrying about what other people think or say.
You don't have to follow the crowd. You can do your own thing.
Often appears as...
- do your own thing!
- let him do his own thing
Usage tips
Informal
verb phrase
To decide your activity or career without following others.
Instead of entering his family's business, he decided to do his own thing.
Often appears as...
- decide to do his own thing
- trying to do her own thing
verb phrase
To act according to your personal manner, regardless of societal norms or expectations.
She doesn't care what's fashionable – she just does her own thing.
Often appears as...
- does her own thing
- does his own thing
Usage tips
Informal
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Social Independence
Using this phrase suggests a strong sense of self and a disregard for external validation or peer pressure.
When they all went to the mall, I decided to do my own thing and read at home.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Disapproval
The phrase may sometimes imply doing something despite others' disapproval or lack of support.
My parents wanted me to be a doctor, but I did my own thing and became an artist.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Negative
Even though it shows independence, 'do your own thing' is usually not meant negatively or rebelliously.
She's happy to let her kids do their own thing in the playground.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Independence
Using this phrase suggests a strong sense of self and a disregard for external validation or peer pressure.
When they all went to the mall, I decided to do my own thing and read at home.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Disapproval
The phrase may sometimes imply doing something despite others' disapproval or lack of support.
My parents wanted me to be a doctor, but I did my own thing and became an artist.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Negative
Even though it shows independence, 'do your own thing' is usually not meant negatively or rebelliously.
She's happy to let her kids do their own thing in the playground.
Pro Tip 1/3Social Independence
Using this phrase suggests a strong sense of self and a disregard for external validation or peer pressure.
When they all went to the mall, I decided to do my own thing and read at home.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Disapproval
The phrase may sometimes imply doing something despite others' disapproval or lack of support.
My parents wanted me to be a doctor, but I did my own thing and became an artist.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Negative
Even though it shows independence, 'do your own thing' is usually not meant negatively or rebelliously.
She's happy to let her kids do their own thing in the playground.
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