do one's own thing
To do what one considers to be best suited or most satisfying for oneself; to do what expresses one's distinctive interests or talents; to do as one chooses.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I prefer to do my own thing on the weekends.”
“She ignored the latest fashion trends and decided to do her own thing instead.”
“While his peers sought validation through traditional career paths, he chose to do his own thing, pursuing an unconventional life as an independent artist.”
The phrase emerged from the counterculture of the 1960s. No specific person or date is credited with its coinage.
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026