Sow your wild oats

Meaning

Indulge in youthful recklessness before settling down.

Usage

Used for experiences that satisfy youthful impulses.

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.

Agricultural metaphor where wild oats grow among crops if not controlled.

Appears in 16th-century English as a warning about youth.