take on a life of its own

take on a life of its own

To exist and thrive outside and beyond the control of the point of origin. An urban legend can take on a life of its own, changing every time it is retold. The accusations in the political race have taken on a life of their own, growing meaner and more elaborate every day.
See also: life, of, on, own, take
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • a life of its own
  • every walk of life
  • bitter end
  • lunch
  • succeed at
  • succeed at (something)
  • deadhead
  • flourish
  • flourish like a green bay tree
  • the cut and thrust of (something)