Decision & Control - Dependency

Dive into English idioms regarding dependency, like "have the run of" and "above the law".

review

flashcard

spelling

quiz

start-learning

(as|) free as a bird [phrase]

allowed complete freedom to do whatever one desires

Ex: Standing on top of the mountain , arms outstretched , he embraced the exhilarating feeling of being as free as a bird .

blank check [noun]

completely free to act as one wishes

Ex: The politician 's supporters argued that voting for him was like giving a blank check , as they believed in his ability to make sound decisions .

free hand [noun]

the state in which one is completely free to do what one desires without any worries or disturbances

Ex: The negotiator was granted a free hand to make decisions on behalf of their organization during the peace talks .

free rein [noun]

the state in which one is completely free to do or say what one desires

Ex: The artist was given free rein to create a mural on the building , allowing their imagination to come to life without any limitations .

to [be] {one's} own (master|mistress) [phrase]

‌to do what one pleases, free of control and interference of others

Ex: She realized that to truly be her own master , she needed to break free from societal expectations and follow her own dreams .

to [let] {sb/sth} loose [phrase]

to allow someone to be completely free to do whatever they want

Ex:

to [loosen] {one's} (grip|hold) [phrase]

to fail to control a person or thing as strictly as one did before

Ex: The company 's CEO recognized the importance of loosening their grip on the organization , empowering employees to contribute their ideas and drive innovation .

to [hold] the key to {sth} [phrase]

to be the determining factor of something, particularly by making its occurrence or success possible

Ex: The CEO 's strategic vision holds the key to the company 's future success .

to [paddle] {one's} own canoe [phrase]

to manage one's own affairs and take responsibility for one's own actions and decisions

Ex: After finishing college , she had to paddle her own canoe and make her way in the world without depending on her parents .

to [cut] the (umbilical|) cord [phrase]

to start behaving independently instead of relying on others for help or support

Ex: He made the bold decision to cut the cord and disconnect from traditional television , opting for a more customized streaming experience .

to [hold] {one's} own [phrase]

to be able to successfully defend oneself against harsh criticism or in difficult situations

Ex: He entered the debate fully prepared and confidently held his own against the more experienced speakers .

to [have] a mind of {one's} own [phrase]

to be capable of making one's own decisions without being influenced by others

Ex:

master of {one's} own (fate|destiny) [phrase]

someone who has complete control over their decisions, particularly those concerning the future

Ex: He refused to let circumstances dictate his future and took proactive steps to become the master of his own fate .

off {one's} own bat [phrase]

without receiving any help or support from others

Ex: Instead of waiting for instructions , the employee took the initiative off her own bat and implemented a new efficiency strategy .

to [have] the run of {sth} [phrase]

to have the freedom to go anywhere one wants in a particular place

Ex:

to [leave] {sb} to {one's} own devices [phrase]

to let a person do as they wish without trying to help or control them

Ex: With a busy schedule , the manager trusted her team to handle the daily operations and left them to their own devices .

to hang {one's} hat on {sth} [phrase]

to rely on a particular thing in order to help and support one

Ex:

above the law [phrase]

not bound by the legal rules and consequences that others must follow

Ex: The celebrity 's behavior at the airport demonstrated a sense of entitlement , as they acted as if they were above the law by bypassing security procedures .

to [ride] on {one's} coattails [phrase]

to benefit from another's success or achievements, often without contributing much themselves

Ex:

tied to {one's} apron strings [phrase]

(of a grown adult) excessively dependent on or controlled by someone else, usually a parent or a partne

Ex:

by the sweat of {one's} [brow] [phrase]

through one's hard work

Ex: She earned her college degree by the sweat of her brow , studying diligently and sacrificing leisure time to achieve academic success .

Decision & Control
Under Control	Out of Control	Losing Control	Being in Charge
Force & Obligation	Obedience	Choices & Decisions	Decisiveness
Indecisiveness	Dependency