March to a different drum

Meaning

Do things differently from the majority.

Usage

Used when celebrating individuality.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

From Henry David Thoreau's Walden (1854): 'If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer.'

Thoreau's line gave rise to the modern saying.