A Life Of Its Own: Learn what the means through example!

What does “A Life Of Its Own” mean?

"A life of its own" means that something exists or functions independently, without needing to be controlled or influenced by others.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The project has taken on a life of its own and is now growing rapidly.

Example

Once the idea was out there, it started to develop a life of its own and gained a lot of attention.

Example

The movement has grown and evolved, now having a life of its own separate from its original founders

Is “A Life Of Its Own” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“A Life Of Its Own” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “A Life Of Its Own” effectively in context?

You can use "A Life Of Its Own" to describe something that has developed or grown independently, without needing to be controlled or influenced by others. It implies that the thing or idea has taken on a unique identity and momentum. For example, if a small project started by a group of friends suddenly gains widespread attention and popularity, you might say, 'The project has taken on "a life of its own" and is now growing rapidly.'

• 1. Creative Projects

  Once the idea was out there, it started to develop a life of its own and gained a lot of attention.

• 2. Social Movements

  The movement has grown and evolved, now having a life of its own separate from its original founders.

• 3. Business Ventures

  The startup has expanded beyond the founders' expectations, taking on a life of its own in the market.

Similar phrases to “A Life Of Its Own”:

Run wild

To grow or develop freely without control or restrictions

Example

Once the idea was released, it ran wild and gained a lot of attention.

Take off

To become successful or popular quickly and unexpectedly

Example

The song took off and became a hit overnight.

Snowball effect

The process of something growing or increasing in size or importance at an accelerating rate

Example

The campaign started small but soon had a snowball effect, gaining support from all over the country.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “A Life Of Its Own” come from?

The origin of the phrase "A Life Of Its Own" is unknown.

Is “A Life Of Its Own” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "A Life Of Its Own" is a common expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where something has developed independently and has its own momentum.

What tone does “A Life Of Its Own” have?

"A Life Of Its Own" conveys a tone of surprise and admiration. It suggests that the thing or idea has surpassed expectations and has become successful or influential on its own.

Can “A Life Of Its Own” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "A Life Of Its Own" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as creative projects, social movements, or business ventures. It is suitable for both casual conversations and professional discussions.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The project has taken on "a life of its own" and is now thriving.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'It has "a life of its own"!' to imply that something has become independent and successful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• develop a mind of its own
• become independent
• take on a personality
• grow autonomously

Antonyms

• under control
• influenced by others
• dependent on external factors
• lack autonomy