by one's own bootstraps
Definition of by one's own bootstraps
: without help from other people : as a result of one's own hard work Despite many obstacles, she has pulled herself up by her own bootstraps.
Explore M-W
Word by Word Definitions
: used to express immediate or direct kinship
: to have or hold as property : possess
: to have power or mastery over
: to acknowledge to be true, valid, or as claimed : admit
: a looped strap sewed at the side or the rear top of a boot to help in pulling it on
: designed to function independently of outside direction : capable of using one internal function or process to control another
: carried out with minimum resources or advantages
: to promote or develop by initiative and effort with little or no assistance
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up by one's own bootstraps? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!