sow wild oats
Live recklessly young
To sow wild oats is to indulge in youthful excess before settling down—typically involving casual sex, drinking, or general recklessness.
The phrase implies a phase that will pass: He spent his twenties sowing wild oats before getting married.
Usually said of young men, with a tone that's more indulgent than disapproving.
- carouseDrink and celebrate noisily
- spreeBrief excessive episode
- playboyWealthy hedonist, carefree lifestyle
- indiscretionUnwise act or remark
- revelryNoisy, lively celebration
frolic · youthful indiscretion · merry · promiscuity · paint the town red · adventure · libertine · experimentation · adolescence · philanderer · hedonism · Casanova · rake · transgression · burn the candle at both ends · let loose · recklessness · youth
sow wild oatssettle down
Become calm or established
grow up · act one's age · mature · put down roots · toe the line
sow wild oatscommit
Bind to a course
be faithful · marry · settle down · get married · tie the knot
sow wild oatskeep one's nose clean
Avoid misconduct or scandal
walk the straight and narrow · behave oneself · deny oneself
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