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resource

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be left to (one's) own resources

To be left unsupervised or uncontrolled; to be allowed to do as one pleases. My job is really great: I know what I need to work on and am just left to my own resources. If left to their own resources, children will get into all sorts of mischief!

See also: left, own, resource

leave one to one's own devices

 and leave one to one's own resources

Fig. to make one rely on oneself.—I am sure that she will manage if we leave her to her own devices. I will leave her to her own resources and everything will turn out fine.

See also: device, leave, one, own

leave someone to his or her resources

Let one rely on oneself to do what he or she likes or to get out of trouble. For example, Left to his own resources, my four-year-old might well turn the hose on the dog, or Refusing to pay for Lydia's traffic ticket, Dad insisted on leaving her to her resources.

See also: leave, resource