sow one's wild oats
Young reckless experimentation
To sow one's wild oats is to indulge in youthful excess before settling down—typically involving sexual adventure, drinking, or general recklessness.
The phrase usually applies to young men and carries a tone of tolerant resignation: Let him sow his wild oats; he'll calm down eventually.
The metaphor suggests scattering seed carelessly rather than cultivating deliberately.
- flirtationPlayful romantic attention
- dallianceBrief, casual romance
- playing the fieldDating without commitment
- promiscuityFrequent casual sexual encounters
- one night standSingle engagement or tryst
no strings attached · adventure · responsibility · experimentation · recklessness · philandering · romance · wanderlust · adulthood · commitment · carousing · passion · rebellion · infatuation · freedom · thrill-seeking · seduction · impulsiveness
sow one's wild oatssettle down
Become calm or established
put down roots · get married · tie the knot · start a family · grow up
sow one's wild oatswalk the straight and narrow
Maintain ethical conduct
keep one's nose clean · toe the line · behave oneself · abstain · play it safe
sows, sowed, sowing, sown, wild, wilder, wildest, wildly, wildness