help oneself en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Meanings
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(reflexive) To serve oneself, especially to take food or other supplies, rather than wait to be served by another; used to indicate friendly permission or invitation.
If you want to take a shower, help yourself to towels; they're in the linen closet.
Is it all right if I get some water? —Oh, of course, help yourself!
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(reflexive) To take something freely; to serve oneself without restraint.
Hugh helped himself to bacon. "My dear fellow, she can think what she likes so long as she continues to grill bacon like this. Your wife is a treasure, James—a pearl amongst women; and you can tell her so with my love."
1920, Herman Cyril McNeile, chapter 1, in Bulldog Drummond:He said I could help myself to the chocolates.
He didn't even ask; he just helped himself to the special tea I was saving.
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(in the negative) To exhibit self-control.
Sorry for eating all the chocolates - I couldn't help myself.
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Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see help.
God helps those who help themselves.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| helps oneself | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| helping oneself | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| helped oneself | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| helped oneself | Tense=Past | lexicographic |
Relateds
self-help · do it yourself · self-serve
Synonyms
Translations (15)
de sich bedienen (take something freely) · cmn 自己拿 (take something freely) · pl poczęstować się (take something freely) · fi voida ottaa (take something freely) · gl axudar (take something freely) · sv ta för sig (take something freely) · fi saada ottaa (take something freely) · pt servir-se (take something freely) · it servirsi (take something freely) · cmn 請便 /请便 (take something freely) · ru угоща́ться (take something freely) · it favorire (take something freely) · pl częstować się (take something freely) · ja 遠慮なく...する (take something freely) · fr se servir (take something freely)