ENGLISH
REFERENCE

have a mind of one's own

idiom
Meaning

To form one's personal opinions and choose one's actions without being governed by the views or choices of others; to be independently minded; to think for oneself.


Examples
SIMPLE

My cat has a mind of her own.

CONTEXTUAL

She refuses to follow the team's advice because she has a mind of her own.

COMPLEX

The young artist insisted on choosing her own path, proving early on that she had a mind of her own despite her parents' expectations.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  3. 03

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  4. 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”).

  5. 05

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  6. 06

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

  8. 08

    albatross around one's neck

    A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.

Last updated July 12, 2026