INDEPENDENCE
do one's (own) thing
to do what one likes or what one pleases. (Informal or slang.)Tom doesn't like being told what to do. He prefers to do his own thing.When you do your thing, you have no one but yourself to blame if things don't work out.
get back on one's (two) feet
to become independent again.My parents helped a lot when I lost my job. I'm glad I'm back on my own feet now.It feels great to be back on my own two feet again.
paddle one's own canoe
to do (something) by oneself; to be alone.I've been left to paddle my own canoe too many times.Sally isn't with us. She's off paddling her own canoe.
shift for oneself and fend for oneself
to get along by oneself; to support oneself.I'm sorry, I can't pay your rent anymore. You'll just have to shift for yourself.When I became twenty years old, I left home and began to fend for myself.
stand on one's own two feet
to be independent and self-sufficient. (Informal.)I'll be glad when I have a good job and can stand on my own two feet.When Jane gets out of debt, she'll be able to stand on her own two feet again.
cut loose
in. to let go; to become independent.It was hard to cut loose from home.I guess it's time I cut loose.
on one's own hook
mod. all by oneself.I don't need any help. I can do it on my own hook.She did it on her own hook without having to call on anyone.