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find oneself

Idioms  
  1. Become aware of what one wishes and can best do in life. For example, At last he's found himself—he really loves teaching . The same idea was sometimes put as to find one's feet , transferring a baby's new ability to stand or walk to a person becoming conscious of his or her abilities. [Late 1800s]

  2. Discover where one is; also, how one is feeling. For example, He suddenly found himself on the right street , or To my surprise I find myself agreeing with you . [Mid-1400s]


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While it may be an urban myth, it is common to find oneself dodging toddlers careering around on two wheels.

From BBC • Nov. 29, 2022

There is an intimate sense of longing that is interlaced within the fabric her work: a desire to feel, to experience, and to find oneself, which makes her performances so captivating.

From Salon • Jun. 20, 2022

That one may find oneself talking back to the screen, pointing out whatever the characters are slow to understand, is just part of the game.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 3, 2022

It also became clear that one of the most lethal places to find oneself was in Melania’s crosshairs.

From Washington Post • Jun. 12, 2020

It was no crime to find oneself attracted to another, she wrote, or to believe what one felt was love.

From "Snow Falling on Cedars: A Novel" by David Guterson