feel one's oats

1. Feel frisky or animated, as in School was out, and they were feeling their oats . This usage alludes to the behavior of a horse after having been fed. [Early 1800s]

2. Display self-importance, as in He was feeling his oats, bossing everyone around . [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

To feel one’s oats, more or less.

From Los Angeles Times

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