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UKa law unto oneself
/ɐ lˈɔː ˌʌntʊ wɒnsˈɛlf/
/ɐ lˈɔː ˌʌntʊ wʌnsˈɛlf/a law unto oneself
[PHRASE]
What is the origin of the idiom "a law unto oneself" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "a law unto oneself" can be traced back to the concept of self-governance and personal autonomy. While it is difficult to pinpoint a specific origin, the phrase embodies a philosophical idea that individuals have the ability to establish their own rules and principles, separate from external laws or societal norms. This phrase is used when someone consistently does things their own way, based on what they think is right, without caring about what others say or any rules from outside.
Examples
1. Boys his age are a law unto themselves.
2. Ibrahim Magu, became a law unto himself and refused to submit to constituted authority.
3. Dubois stated this even more succinctly-- white men become a law unto themselves.
4. They are a law unto themselves.
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