paddle one's own canoe

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

~плыть/грести на своем челноке.

Работать без посторонней помощи; самому(-ой) зарабатывать себе на жизнь; обеспечивать себя.

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

Син.: HOE ONE'S OWN ROW.

Ср.: MAKE ONE'S WAY.