ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sow one's wild oats

idiom
Meaning

To spread one's genes around by impregnating many females.


Origin

disputed origin

From being a typical useless or counterproductive occupation (wild oats is a weed, and would not be sown).

Examples
SIMPLE

He sowed his wild oats before settling down.

CONTEXTUAL

In his twenties, he traveled and sowed his wild oats, but now he wants a family.

COMPLEX

The aging playboy, having spent decades sowing his wild oats across three continents, now faced the quiet regret of children who barely knew his name.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a wild goose never laid a tame egg

    Most things are inherited and predetermined.

  2. 02

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  3. 03

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  4. 04

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  5. 05

    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”).

  6. 06

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  8. 08

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

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