Phrase guide

have a mind of one's own

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To form one's personal opinions and choose one's actions without being governed by the views or choices of others; to be independently minded; to think for oneself.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To seem to possess animate qualities or a conscious will, especially a will to misbehave.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • This washing machine never sticks to the programmed cycle. It has a mind of its own.
  • I'm trying to follow the dance steps, but my feet have minds of their own.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

6 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: penser par soi-même — Translations
  • French: juger par soi-même — Translations
  • Polish: mieć własne zdanie — Translations
  • Portuguese: ter opinião própria — Translations
  • Portuguese: pensar por si mesmo — Translations
  • Spanish: no casarse con nadie — Translations