Not constrained by responsibilities, free to indulge oneself
This seemingly modern slangy expression dates from the mid-1700s, when it could also mean to live by prostitution. That may or may not have been intended by John Cleland when he wrote, “The giddy wildness of young girls once got upon the loose” (Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure, 1749).
Related Terms and Expressions
- Live it up: To have an exciting, luxurious, or extravagant time.
- Paint the town red: To go out and celebrate flamboyantly.
- Free as a bird: Completely free, with no worries or responsibilities.
- Sow one’s wild oats: To behave wildly and indiscreetly in one’s youth.
- Cut loose: To behave freely and indulge in carefree, exuberant activities.
Synonyms
- Unrestrained
- Footloose
- Unchecked
- Uninhibited
- Liberated
Antonyms
- Constrained
- Inhibited
- Restrained
- Tied down
- Confined
Humor-Filled Quote 🃏
“Of course I enjoy aimless freedom, said the man on house arrest.” — Fictitious Proverb #101
Proverbs and Other Pithy Sayings 📝
- “Better to be a free bird in a cage than a caged bird in a gilded cage.”
- “Freedom lies in being bold.” — Robert Frost
Literature, Books, and Other Cultural Touchstones 📚
- “Memoirs of a Woman of Pleasure” by John Cleland: A controversial 1749 novel that touches on themes of freedom and various forms of indulgence.
- “On the Road” by Jack Kerouac: A tale of counter-culture youth indulging in the complete liberty of the open road.
- “Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer: Chronicles the real-life journey of a young man seeking ultimate freedom from societal constraints.
Songs and Poetry 🎵
- “Born to Run” by Bruce Springsteen: An anthem of youthful freedom.
- “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers: A yearning for emotional and romantic freedom.
- “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: A famous poem contemplating the liberating choices of life’s various paths.
Movies 🎥
- “Easy Rider” (1969): A classic film exploring themes of freedom and rebellion in the context of a cross-country motorcycle journey.
- “Thelma & Louise” (1991): Two women throwing caution to the wind and choosing freedom over convention.
- “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (1986): Celebrating the pleasures of truancy and a carefree day off from responsibilities.
Quizzes: Test Your Knowledge!
### Which of these phrases means to go out and celebrate flamboyantly?
- [x] Paint the town red
- [ ] Fly the coop
- [ ] Wear the crown
- [ ] Dig the ground
> **Explanation:** "Paint the town red" is the correct idiom, meaning to go out and celebrate exuberantly.
### Which term is a synonym for 'uninhibited'?
- [ ] Restricted
- [x] Free as a bird
- [ ] Reserved
- [ ] Tethered
> **Explanation:** "Free as a bird" is a synonym for 'uninhibited,' as it implies complete freedom and absence of restraint.
### True or False: The expression "live it up" suggests worry and responsibility.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. "Live it up" means to enjoy life to the fullest, without worries or responsibilities.
📜 Remember, dear word lover, freedom in language reflects the liberty of thought. Embrace each expression, for in them lies a universe of possibilities and narratives yet untold. Happy Lexicon Adventures! — D. Liber-Tay
