spread one's wings
To experiment in life; to find out what one is capable of; to try new things or activities.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She moved to a new city to spread her wings.”
“After finishing university, he decided to travel alone across the continent to finally spread his wings.”
“Leaving the comfort of her small hometown, she sought a larger stage where she could spread her wings and pursue her true ambitions.”
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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