# plough a lonely furrow

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/plough-a-lonely-furrow
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To carry out an action in isolation, or in an original way, without any help or support from others.

## Examples

- He prefers to plough a lonely furrow in his research.
- She decided to plough a lonely furrow, developing her unique art style without following any current trends.
- Despite the intense pressure to conform to the group's methodology, the scientist chose to plough a lonely furrow, trusting his own unconventional theories above all else.

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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.