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REFERENCE

paddle one's own canoe

idiom
Meaning

To independently make the decisions or perform the duties, tasks, etc. which are one's own responsibility and which affect oneself.


Examples
SIMPLE

I prefer to paddle my own canoe at work.

CONTEXTUAL

After years of working for others, he decided to start his own business and paddle his own canoe.

COMPLEX

She realized that if she truly wanted to achieve her goals, she had to stop relying on others and learn to paddle her own canoe.

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.

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