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fend for oneself

idiom

Definition of fend for oneself

: to do things without help : to do basic activities by oneself
  • They had to fend for themselves while their mother was away.
  • He's been fending for himself since his wife died.

Word by Word Definitions

fend play

  1. : defend

  2. : to keep or ward off : repel

  3. : to provide for : support

  1. : an effort or attempt especially for oneself

See the full definition of fend
oneself play

  1. : a person's self : one's own self

  2. : one's normal, healthy, or sane condition or self

See the full definition of oneself

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