Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sow one's wild oats

idiom

/soʊ wʌnz waɪld oʊts/

Definition

To engage in youthful or reckless behavior, often referring to a period in life when someone experiments with romantic or social relationships.

Examples

After graduating from college, he went traveling to sow his wild oats.
She spent a few years sowing her wild oats before starting a family.
Many people believe that sowing one’s wild oats is an essential part of growing up.

Meaning

This phrase typically signifies a time in a young person’s life when they are carefree and explore different experiences, usually before settling down.