pull oneself up by bootstraps
pull (oneself) up by (one's) (own) bootstraps
To improve one's life or circumstances through one's own efforts, rather than relying on others. After I declared bankruptcy, I had to pull myself up by my bootstraps and rebuild my financial standing. Whenever I hear someone say that poor people just need to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps, I remind them that a lot of people don't have boots.
See also: bootstrap, by, pull, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
pull oneself up by one's (own) bootstraps
Fig. to improve or become a success by one's own efforts. If Sam had a little encouragement, he could pull himself up by his bootstraps. Given a chance, I'm sure I can pull myself up by my own bootstraps.
See also: bootstrap, by, pull, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- at doorstep
- at (one's) doorstep
- at will
- at (one's) expense
- at expense
- at somebody's expense
- at someone's expense
- be remembered as (something)
- be remembered as/for something
- be in (one's) good graces