Ever come across someone who seems to live by their own rules, disregarding societal norms and regulations like they don’t apply to them? Well, there’s an idiom for that! The phrase “A law unto themselves” perfectly captures this concept. It’s a quirky and colorful way to describe independent-minded individuals who march to the beat of their own drum.

Meaning and Usage in Modern Day

The idiom “A law unto themselves” means that a person behaves in some way that is unconventional or not regulated by social norms. This individual tends to act independently, guided by their own beliefs or desires, ignoring generally accepted rules.

For example, imagine a captain running a ship the way they see fit, ignoring maritime laws. They may change course on a whim or break speed regulations because, to them, traditional rules and norms are secondary. People would say this captain is “a law unto themselves.”

Biblical Roots of The Idiom

“For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves.” – Romans 2:14

This passage from the Bible provides the root of our idiom. In this context, it describes the Gentiles, who did not possess the Jewish Law, yet instinctively followed some of its moral principles. The phrase evolved over centuries from its biblical context to become a more general descriptor of independent or self-governed behavior.

Similar Idioms and Alternatives

The idiom “A law unto themselves” doesn’t have many direct variants, but there are other phrases with similar meanings. Expressions like “march to the beat of their own drum” or “play by their own rules” carry comparable connotations of independence or defiance of norms.

Another related idiom is “loose cannon,” which describes someone unpredictable, who acts without considering the rules or the consequences of their actions. Both idioms paint a picture of individuals who deviate from standard expectations and societal norms.

In summary, “A law unto themselves” is a richly historical idiom, rooted in biblical text but widely used today to describe those who chart their own course in life, often outside the boundaries of common expectations. So, the next time you encounter someone who seems to make their own rules, remember—you have a perfect idiom to describe them!

Reference: https://www.biblestudytools.com/romans/2-14.html