# paddle one's own canoe

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/paddle-ones-own-canoe
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- 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.

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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.