under one's own steam
Without outside help
Under one's own steam means independently, without help or external power.
Originally referring to steam-powered vehicles and ships operating on their own engines rather than being towed, it now describes any self-reliant effort: She got to the top of the corporate ladder under her own steam.
He refused a ride and walked home under his own steam.
- independentlyWithout outside assistance
- on one's ownWithout help or company
- by oneselfWithout others present
- self-reliantAble to provide independently
- unaidedWithout external support
solo · flying solo · autonomously · willpower · grit · determination · bootstraps · self-sufficient · unassisted · lone wolf · lone ranger · initiative · hustle · do it yourself · elbow grease · self-made · DIY · single-handed
under one's own steamhand-held
Gripped while operating
spoon-fed · piggy-backing · propped up · bankrolled · sponsored
under one's own steamcarried
Moved while holding
driven · chauffeured · transported · conveyed · towed
under, steam, owners, ownership, steams, steamed, steaming, steamer, steamers