# be one's own man

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/be-ones-own-man
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To behave independently without the influence of others.

## Examples

- He likes to be his own man at work.
- Despite his father's pressure to join the family business, he decided to be his own man and pursue a career in art.
- Throughout his long political career, he remained steadfast in his refusal to follow party lines, preferring instead to be his own man and vote according to his conscience.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.