ENGLISH
REFERENCE

life of its own

idiom
Meaning

An independent existence with some characteristics of life.


Examples
SIMPLE

The rumor has taken on a life of its own.

CONTEXTUAL

The project started as a small hobby, but it soon took on a life of its own and became a full-time business.

COMPLEX

What began as a simple disagreement between neighbors quickly took on a life of its own, eventually involving the entire town in a bitter legal dispute.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beg for one's life

    To plead or make a desperate attempt to continue with what one has been doing.

  2. 02

    bread of life

    Anything which is regarded as a source or inspiration of spiritual nourishment.

  3. 03

    bring back to life

    To return someone to a state of consciousness or living after a state of unconsciousness, death or near-death.

  4. 04

    cat and dog life

    An unhappy married life marked by arguments and disagreements.

  5. 05

    change of life

    Menopause.

  6. 06

    charmed life

    A life in which one is always lucky and safe from danger.

  7. 07

    claim someone's life

    To lead to someone's death.

  8. 08

    come to life

    To become alive, to be given life; to be brought into existence.

Last updated April 17, 2026