pull oneself up by bootstraps

pull oneself up by one's (own) bootstraps

Fig. to improve or become a success by one's own efforts. If Sam had a little encouragement, he could pull himself up by his bootstraps. Given a chance, I'm sure I can pull myself up by my own bootstraps.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
Charlotte	['ʃa:lət]
Magdalene	mahk-dah-LE-nə (German), MAG-də-lən (English), MAG-də-leen (English)	German, English, Biblical, Biblical Latin, Biblical Greek
Jaqueline	['dʒækli:n]
Dubaku	-	Western African, Akan
CesÁRio	-	Portuguese
Sextus	SEKS-tuws	Ancient Roman