spread your wings

spread (one's) wings

To start to use one's talents or abilities, or to start to experience new things for the first time. Likened to a bird opening its wings before starting to fly. I know if you just spread your wings, you'll be a really successful writer. But you have to start taking it seriously. Now that I'm finished school, I feel like I really want to spread my swings and see what's out there for me.
See also: spread, wing
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

spread your wings

COMMON If you spread your wings, you start to do new or more interesting things. Michelle has been in the show since she left school and feels like she needs to spread her wings. I was 23 and still living with my parents. I just felt it was time to spread my wings.
See also: spread, wing
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

spread (or stretch or try) your wings

extend your activities and interests or start new ones.
See also: spread, wing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

spread your ˈwings

become more independent and confident enough to try new activities, etc: Studying at university should help you to spread your wings and become independent.
See also: spread, wing
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • spread (one's) wings
  • a head start
  • head start
  • Anytime you are ready
  • anytime you're ready
  • clean sheet
  • clean slate
  • a clean sheet
  • a clean sheet/slate
  • off to a bad start
References in periodicals archive
The post reads: "Last night, you spread your wings and now you're flying free.
Dad left 'locked in his own body' has died; devoted red was bitten by mosquito
"@loringabriella spread your wings and embrace this new journey!
Lorin Gutierrez takes pre-college course in US
X: June your great Golden wonder weekend See inside opulent mock Tudor mansion pages 2-3 36...pROpERTiEs fOR salE and PagES Tasty treats for dads food: pages 8-9 pullout TO RENT HOME STYLE GARDENING TRAVEL FOOD Tv spread your wings with bird-themed collection interiors: pages 4-5 FAMILY & PUZZLES 2016 18, INSIDE: June weekend + Tv CHOICE 7day listings inside MAGAZINE your great Golden wonder weekend See inside opulent mock Tudor mansion pages 2-3 36...pROpERTiEs fOR salE and PagES Tasty treats for dads food: pages 8-9 pullout TO RENT HOME STYLE GARDENING TRAVEL FOOD Tv spread your wings with bird-themed collection interiors: pages 4-5 Changing the theme FAMILY & PUZZLES of florida trips Travel: pages 12-13
INSIDE
You will feel ready to spread your wings in every sense this September.
COSMIC POSTBAG
So spread your wings and take flight over holiday break.
Star signs
And if you want to spread your wings further than South Wales then the voucher can be used to launch from Bath, Bristol or Cheltenham.
Travel: Holiday ideas...Give a balloon for Christmas
So this might be a good time to spread your wings and invest overseas instead.
Money: STRIKE IT RICH
Spread your wings! Dancers who can sing (and act) have more opportunities to perform.
ADVICE FOR DANCERS