owe it to oneself
B2 neutral transitive
In simple words
You should do something nice or important for yourself because you deserve it.
Literal meaning: To be in a state of debt to yourself — you owe yourself this thing.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To have a personal obligation to do something that will benefit you, because you have worked hard or suffered enough to deserve it.
"After twenty years in that job, you owe it to yourself to take a proper holiday."
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To be obliged, for your own sake, to try or experience something important.
"You owe it to yourself to at least try living abroad before settling down."
Usage notes
Used to encourage someone to take an action that is in their own best interest, often in motivational contexts. Commonly heard in advertising, self-help language, and personal advice. Always reflexive.
Commonly used with
try see visit take a break pursue find out give it a chance
Forms
Base
owe it to oneself
I/you/we/they
3rd person
owes it to oneself
he/she/it
Past simple
owed it to oneself
yesterday
Past participle
owed it to oneself
have + pp
-ing form
owing it to oneself
continuous
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