express oneself

express (oneself)

To share one's thoughts or feelings in a particular way, often through art. I use art therapy as a way to get children to express themselves.
See also: express
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

express oneself

Reveal or portray one's feelings or views through speech, writing, some form of art, or behavior. For example, I find it hard to express myself in Italian, or Helen expresses herself through her painting, or Teenagers often express themselves through their attire, haircuts, and the like. [Mid-1500s]
See also: express
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
See also:
  • express (oneself)
  • art
  • art for art's sake
  • be art and part of
  • be art and part of (something)
  • a thing or two
  • thing or two
  • the avant-garde
  • garde
  • have (something) off to a fine art
References in classic literature
I was just the same myself before I went to Switzerland; I stammered incoherently; one tries to express oneself and cannot.
Engineering, for him, is a medium to express oneself, which perhaps explains why he brings so much creativity and art to engineering designs, giving them not just function but form like the 'renaissance engineer'.
Or worse, a language that one cannot express oneself in?
This defines the essence of acting upon instinct -- the ability to express oneself, moment to moment, according to one's emotions.
Wine said he thought that freedom of expression was "the most important right, especially in the civilised world, to express oneself without hurting anybody."
According to Panelo, the right to express oneself is very much respected in the Philippines and the fact that detractors and critics of the President continue to air their protests in various media platforms is an irrefutable proof of it.
The government raising its concerns should not be construed as a breach of RBI's autonomy, as in a consultative process one has to express oneself freely and frankly, the finance minister said.
Some may have seen Talib's decision to wear the thobe as "rude and hateful" way to express oneself, instead of being part of American society she is choosing to show her traditional attire.
Commenting on the surge of entertainment activities and concerts in Saudi Arabia, the high-spirited and optimistic singer excitedly said, "I'm so happy to see my country progressing, and that it is becoming more acceptable to express oneself through art.
No human being should ever occupy a position where he can take away the right of another to live and the freedom to express oneself freely.
Obviously this is my view; I believe in freedom of speech, but there are more appropriate words in which to express oneself. I think the ECHO should have words with Mr Hatton, not about his principles, but about the way he sets them down.
The ability to properly express oneself in essay writing only attracts about 20 out of the total 50 marks,' he lamented.
The devices combine everyday convenience and stylish design with an advanced camera for more personalised way to express oneself. Featuring a powerful front and rear camera, a sleek premium design, super amoled screens and Samsung's signature infinity display, the new Galaxy A series is available in three stylish colors; black, gold and blue.
The freedom to express oneself in speech and writing, hold opinion and seek, receive and impart information and ideas are a human right codified in the UN's Universal Declaration of Human Rights.