Leave one to your own devices Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To let someone act or make decisions on their own, without help, guidance, or supervision.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiom, often used when someone is free to choose what to do, sometimes with the risk of making mistakes or getting bored. It can be neutral, positive (independent), or negative (lack of supervision), depending on context. Not about technological devices.
Example Sentences
When children are left to their own devices, they play in creative ways.
basic
If you leave her to her own devices, she can finish the project alone.
basic
My parents rarely left me to my own devices when I was young.
basic
She gets bored if you leave her to her own devices for too long.
natural
Sometimes it's good to leave people to their own devices so they can learn for themselves.
natural
The students were left to their own devices during the free period.
natural