How to Pronounce "pull up by your bootstraps"
expression
ˈpʊɫ/ /ˈəp/ /ˈbaɪ/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈbutˌstɹæps
POOL-up-BY-yer-BOOT-straps
pˈʊl/ /ˈʌp/ /bˈaɪ/ /jˈɔː/ /bˈuːtstɹæps
POOL-up-BY-yaw-BOOT-straps
Definition
To improve your situation through your own efforts, without help from others. Often refers to achieving success despite difficulties.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpʊɫ/ /ˈəp/ /ˈbaɪ/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈbutˌstɹæps
British English
pˈʊl/ /ˈʌp/ /bˈaɪ/ /jˈɔː/ /bˈuːtstɹæps
Simplified Pronunciation
US
POOL-up-BY-yer-BOOT-straps
UK
POOL-up-BY-yaw-BOOT-straps
Listen in Context
She decided to pull up by her bootstraps and start her own business.
Many believe you can pull up by your bootstraps if you work hard enough.
He managed to pull up by his bootstraps after losing his job.
People say you just need to pull up by your bootstraps, but it's not always that simple.