# do one's own thing

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/do-ones-own-thing
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

The phrase emerged from the counterculture of the 1960s. No specific person or date is credited with its coinage.

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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.