every tub must stand on its own bottom

used to emphasize that every person should be self-reliant and work toward achieving their own goals and meeting their own needs, rather than expecting others to do it for them

The proverb "every tub must stand on its own bottom" dates back to the 16th century, with early uses by William Bullein in 1564 and later popularized by John Bunyan in his 1678 work 'Pilgrim's Progress.' This saying has been used to encourage people to be independent, work toward their own goals, and handle their own challenges. It serves as a reminder that personal success depends on individual effort and self-sufficiency.