Leave somebody to their own devices
phrase
To let someone do what they want without helping or supervising them.
After trying to teach him how to cook, his mother eventually gave up and left him to his own devices.
Often appears as...
- left to his own devices
- left to her own devices
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
To let someone do what they want without helping or supervising them.
After trying to teach him how to cook, his mother eventually gave up and left him to his own devices.
Often appears as...
- left to his own devices
- left to her own devices
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Autonomy Implied
The phrase implies trust in someone's ability to handle things without guidance.
Since he's a quick learner, his tutor decided to leave him to his own devices.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Neglect
Can suggest negligence if someone needs help but is left on their own.
Ignored by the babysitter, the children were left to their own devices all day.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal Devices
It's metaphorical and not about physical devices like phones or computers.
During the exam, students were not allowed notes and were left to their own devices.
Pro Tip 1/3Autonomy Implied
The phrase implies trust in someone's ability to handle things without guidance.
Since he's a quick learner, his tutor decided to leave him to his own devices.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Neglect
Can suggest negligence if someone needs help but is left on their own.
Ignored by the babysitter, the children were left to their own devices all day.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal Devices
It's metaphorical and not about physical devices like phones or computers.
During the exam, students were not allowed notes and were left to their own devices.
Pro Tip 1/3Autonomy Implied
The phrase implies trust in someone's ability to handle things without guidance.
Since he's a quick learner, his tutor decided to leave him to his own devices.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Neglect
Can suggest negligence if someone needs help but is left on their own.
Ignored by the babysitter, the children were left to their own devices all day.
Pro Tip 3/3Not Literal Devices
It's metaphorical and not about physical devices like phones or computers.
During the exam, students were not allowed notes and were left to their own devices.
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