paddle one's own canoe
To independently make the decisions or perform the duties, tasks, etc. which are one's own responsibility and which affect oneself.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I prefer to paddle my own canoe at work.”
“After years of working for others, he decided to start his own business and paddle his own canoe.”
“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.”
- 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