sow wild oats

1. To engage in youthful indiscretions, usually sexual liaisons: “Paul asked his father if he had sowed his wild oats before getting married.”

Example Sentences

There's a sexist myth that only men want to sow wild oats, but of course, women also have sexual fantasies.

From Salon

But that wasn't what I meant—to sow wild oats.

From Project Gutenberg

A Penitent Reflects on the Wilderness Rob Pruitt — who last week opened a gargantuan solo exhibition inspired by the Amish tradition of Rumspringa, the period during which some teenagers sow wild oats before they reach the age to join the church — is not the first artist you might think of when you think Anabaptist.

From New York Times

His first attempt to sow wild oats was frustrated.

From Time Magazine Archive

A day or two later our fledgling began to sow wild oats.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• act up
• fool around
• trespass