auf eigene Faust
Translation
on one's own, on one's own initiative, by oneself
Examples
Er erkundete die Stadt auf eigene Faust.
He explored the city on his own.
Sie hat das Projekt auf eigene Faust gestartet.
She started the project on her own initiative.
Grammar Patterns
[Adverbial phrase] to do sth. on one's own Er hat das auf eigene Faust gemacht.
Similar Words
Synonyms: allein (alone), selbstständig (independently); Antonyms: gemeinsam (together), in der Gruppe (in a group)
Etymology
Literally 'on one's own fist'. It evokes the image of acting with one's own strength, without external help.
Memory Tips
Picture someone punching their way through a task with their 'own fist' ('eigene Faust'), symbolizing doing it all by themselves.