shift for yourself

shift for (oneself)

To do things for oneself; to not rely on the help or patronage of someone else. It's no wonder that kids these days can't hold down meaningful jobs, when they're pampered from birth and can't shift for themselves by the time they leave school. You're going to have to learn to shift for yourself before you head off to college.
See also: shift
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

shift for yourself

manage as best you can without help.
See also: shift
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • for (one's) (own) sake
  • for sake
  • keep (someone or something) in sight
  • keep in sight
  • keep sight of
  • keep sight of (someone or something)
  • keep sight of somebody/something
  • leave (someone, something, or oneself) (wide) open for (something)
  • leave oneself wide open for
  • leave yourself wide open to something
References in classic literature
"Will you sign a paper to the effect that you shift for yourself as soon as you get to Dawson?" the business one demanded.
The Red One
"I don't often speak of myself," said John, "but as you are going away from us out into the world to shift for yourself I'll just tell you how I look on these things.
Black Beauty
"I'll just show you the playground, and then I'll leave you to shift for yourself."
Of Human Bondage
Brinkworth (knowing of his attachment to my niece), in her name, and for her sake, to leave you to shift for yourself?"
Man And Wife
ReviewAt the end of the shift, it's always worth the time to do both a quick wrap-up with your crew and a reflection on the shift for yourself. The Liked Best/Next Time technique (see sidebar) is an excellent tool to give feedback to the crew as a whole or to individuals.
Staff Training: 5 Steps to Running a Successful Shift