bootstraps
Pull-up leather tabs
Bootstraps are the loops or tabs attached to the sides of boots, used to pull them on.
The phrase pull yourself up by your bootstraps originally described an impossible act—you can't lift yourself off the ground by tugging your own footwear.
The meaning has shifted: now it typically means to succeed through one's own effort without outside help, often with political overtones about self-reliance versus systemic support.
In computing, to bootstrap (or boot) is to start up a system, the machine metaphorically pulling itself into operation.
Successful through own efforts
- self-sufficiencyIndependence from outside aid
- independenceFreedom from external control
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
- self-starterOne with initiative
entrepreneurship · self-help · self-improvement · resourcefulness · initiative · self-support · self-employment · self-determination
Determination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
- enduranceSustained effort capacity
fortitude · resolve · persistence · willpower · stamina · steadfastness · courage · mettle
Capacity for movement
- ascentUpward movement
- successFavorable outcome attained
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
- progressMovement toward improvement
rise · advancement · elevation · climbing · ambition · aspiration · transformation · growth
Advancement through demonstrated ability
- individualismDoctrine of personal independence
- capitalismPrivate profit-based economy
- libertarianismMinimal-government political philosophy
- free-marketUnregulated private exchange
neoliberalism · rags-to-riches · myth · narrative · self-interest · competition · privatization · opportunity
self-made
Successful through own efforts
- self-sufficiencyIndependence from outside aid
- independenceFreedom from external control
- autonomyIndependent decision-making capacity
self-starter · entrepreneurship · self-help · self-improvement · resourcefulness · initiative · self-support · self-employment · self-determination · unaided
grit
Determination or abrasive particles
- tenacityPersistent grip or resolve
- determinationFirmness of purpose
- resilienceCapacity to recover quickly
endurance · fortitude · resolve · persistence · willpower · stamina · steadfastness · courage · mettle · backbone
mobility
Capacity for movement
- ascentUpward movement
- successFavorable outcome attained
- achievementAccomplished goal or deed
progress · rise · advancement · elevation · climbing · ambition · aspiration · transformation · growth · development
meritocracy
Advancement through demonstrated ability
- individualismDoctrine of personal independence
- capitalismPrivate profit-based economy
- libertarianismMinimal-government political philosophy
free-market · neoliberalism · rags-to-riches · myth · narrative · self-interest · competition · privatization · opportunity
pull-tabs
Beverage can openers
buckles · fasteners · eyelets · pull-on · ankle · calf · shoelaces · Wellington
- American folklorePaul Bunyan, tall tales, folk heroes, John Henry, folk narratives
- blue collarhard hat, blue collar, blue-collar jobs, factory work, manual labor
- generationsbaby boomers, millennials, Gen Z, Gen X, baby boomer
bootstrapswelfare
Comfort and prosperity
government assistance · safety net · entitlement · silver spoon · dependency
bootstrapssilver spoon
Symbol of inherited wealth
inheritance · trust fund · family connections · old boy network · nepotism
- pull oneself up by one's bootstrapsAchieve success independently
- lift oneself up by one's bootstrapsSucceed through unaided effort
- pulling oneself up by one's bootstrapsRising through personal effort alone
- bootstrap mentalityFaith in unassisted success
- pull oneself up by one's own bootstrapsAchieve success unaided
- pulled oneself up by one's bootstrapsAchieved success independently