on (one's) own
1. By or through one's individual efforts or means. I had to finish designing the website on my own after many of our workers were laid off.
2. Without the assistance or support of, or dependence upon, anybody else. I don't need anyone's pity or help, I can make it all on my own, thank you very much.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
on one's own
1. By one's own efforts or resources, as in He built the entire addition on his own. [Mid-1900s]
2. Responsible for oneself, independent of outside help or control, as in Dave moved out last fall; he's on his own now. [Mid-1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.