be one's own boss — to work for oneself rather than for an employer; to be self-employed
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: to work for oneself rather than for an employer; to be self-employed
Pronunciation (IPA): /biː wʌnz oʊn bɔːs/
Example Sentences
- Tom quit his 9-to-5 job to be his own boss, but now he works 24/7!
- She always wanted to be her own boss until she realized she was a terrible employee.
- Many entrepreneurs choose to be their own boss for the flexibility and creative freedom.
be one's own boss
NOUN[/biː wʌnz oʊn bɔːs/]
to work for oneself rather than for an employer; to be self-employed

After years at the firm, she finally gets to be her own boss at her flower shop.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'boss' derives from Dutch 'baas', meaning 'master' or 'ruler'. The phrase 'be one's own boss' emerged in early 20th-century English, combining this term with reflexive construction to express autonomous self-employment and independence from external authority.
Breakdown
be (auxiliary verb) + one's own (possessive reflexive construction) + boss (from Dutch baas, meaning master or supervisor). The phrase structure emphasizes self-direction and personal authority over one's work.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Tom quit his 9-to-5 job to be his own boss, but now he works 24/7!”
“She always wanted to be her own boss until she realized she was a terrible employee.”
“Many entrepreneurs choose to be their own boss for the flexibility and creative freedom.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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