Paddle one’s own canoe
When someone says “paddle one’s own canoe,” they are talking about being independent and self-reliant. It means taking care of yourself, making your own decisions, and not depending on others for help or support. Imagine being in a canoe on a river, you have to paddle and steer it by yourself to reach your destination.
This idiom emphasizes the importance of self-sufficiency and taking responsibility for your own actions and choices. It’s about being able to navigate through life’s challenges on your own, without relying on others to do it for you. For instance, if a student decides to study for an exam without any help from classmates or teachers, they are essentially paddling their own canoe. They are taking control of their learning and success without external assistance.