paddle one's own canoe

paddle one's own canoe {v. phr.}, {informal}

To work without help; earn your own living; support yourself.

After his father died, John had to paddle his own canoe.

Syn.: HOE ONE'S OWN ROW.

Compare: MAKE ONE'S WAY.

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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms

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[hoe one's own row] {v. phr.} To make your way in life by your own efforts; get along without help. * /David's father died when he was little, and he […] A Dictionary of American Idioms

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[canoe] See: [PADDLE ONE'S OWN CANOE]. A Dictionary of American Idioms

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