stand on one's own two feet
Meaning: To be independent and self-supporting.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Body & Senses
Origin: The expression suggests that when a person uses his own two feet, he is not relying on others for support. The expression always calls for two feet even when the subject is plural (sentence 2) and four feet would be more logical.
More idioms — Body & Senses
- stick one's neck out — To take a risk.
- stick one's nose in — To try to find out about someone else's private business.
- stick out like a sore thumb — Not to blend in; to be obvious and prominent or easily seen.
- sweat blood — To put out a great deal of effort; to work very, very hard.
- sweep someone off his feet — To overwhelm someone, often causing him or her to fall in love.
- talk someone's ear off — To bore someone with one's unending talk.
More English idioms
- toe the line — To follow the rules; to do what is expected of one.
- tongue-in-cheek — Joking or sarcastic.
- turn a deaf ear — To ignore someone.
- turn the other cheek — Not to retaliate; not to pay back bad behavior with more bad behavior.
- turn up one's nose at something or someone — To scorn, snub, or reject something.
- under someone's thumb — Under someone's control.
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