leave someone to his or her own devices
idiom
: to allow (someone) to do what he or she wants or is able to do without being controlled or helped by anyone else
—often used as be left to one's own devices
The students were left to their own devices when the teacher failed to appear on time.
Dictionary Entries Near leave someone to his or her own devices
leave (someone) out in the cold
leave someone to his or her own devices
Cite this Entry
“Leave someone to his or her own devices.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leave%20someone%20to%20his%20or%20her%20own%20devices. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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