boot‧straps /ˈbuːtstræps/
noun [plural][
Date: 1900-2000;
Origin: bootstrap 'piece of leather or cloth attached to the back of a boot to make it easier to pull on' (19-20 centuries)]
pull/haul yourself up by your bootstraps to improve your position and get out of a difficult situation by your own efforts, without help from other people
[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲