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."
owe it to oneself
B2 neutral transitive
To have a duty or obligation to do something for your own benefit, because you have earned it or need it.
In plain English
You should do something nice or important for yourself because you deserve it.
What does "owe it to oneself" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To be in a state of debt to yourself — you owe yourself this thing.
Actually means
You should do something nice or important for yourself because you deserve it.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "owe it to oneself"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
try see visit take a break pursue find out give it a chance
How to conjugate "owe it to oneself"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "owe it to oneself" in the wild
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