law unto oneself
Follows only themselves
A law unto oneself describes someone who acts according to their own rules, ignoring established conventions or authority.
The phrase usually carries mild disapproval, suggesting stubbornness or disregard for others: He's a law unto himself—he'll do what he wants regardless of what anyone says.
Occasionally it's admiring, implying bold independence.
Resisting authority or control
- defiantOpenly resisting control
- unrulyDifficult to control
- insubordinateDefying rightful authority
- disobedientRefusing to follow orders
recalcitrant · wayward · rogue · headstrong · obstinate · willful · mutinous · contrary
Free from external control
- self-governingControlling one's own affairs
- autonomousSelf-directed and free
- self-directedManaging oneself without supervision
- self-determinedDecided by oneself
maverick · free-spirited · individualistic · nonconformist · self-reliant · self-sufficient · unconventional · freethinking
rebellious
Resisting authority or control
- defiantOpenly resisting control
- unrulyDifficult to control
- insubordinateDefying rightful authority
disobedient · recalcitrant · wayward · rogue · headstrong · obstinate · willful · mutinous · contrary · ungovernable
independent
Free from external control
- self-governingControlling one's own affairs
- autonomousSelf-directed and free
- self-directedManaging oneself without supervision
self-determined · maverick · free-spirited · individualistic · nonconformist · self-reliant · self-sufficient · unconventional · freethinking · sovereign
law unto oneselfconformist
One following accepted norms
by the book · law-abiding · obedient · compliant · toeing the line
law unto oneselfteam player
One who collaborates willingly
follower · sheep · yes-man · pushover · go along to get along
law unto oneselfdeferential
Showing humble submission
subservient · submissive · docile · biddable · tractable
laws, lawful, oneself, lawless, unlawful, legislation, lawfully, legislature, unto