feel one's oats

phrase

: to act in a newly self-confident and often self-important manner

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of feel one's oats was in 1869

Rhymes for feel one's oats

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Browse Nearby Words

feel one's best
feel one's oats
feel one's way
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Cite this Entry

“Feel one's oats.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/feel%20one%27s%20oats. Accessed 25 Aug. 2026.

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Last Updated: - Definition revised
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