What Does Sow Your Oats Mean?

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What Does Sow Your Oats Mean?

2 Answers

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Answer 1

The term "sow your oats" is used for a man, to refer who flirts outrageously and indulges in sexual relationship with many women before finally settling for marriage. Sowing oats is a term used for both men and women who strive to get over the sexual tension by satiating their desires with different partners before they are ready to take a marital plunge and dedicate their life to one partner.

There are some views who do not agree with "sowing one's oats." These views spring from the argument that a colourful life prior to marriage can lead to marital conflicts and problems if such relationships are rekindled or discovered after marriage by the other partner. However most people would still like to relate "sowing one's oats" with 'continued rehearsals' before "the main act (read marriage)."

Answer 2

"Sowing wild oats" implies to the behaviour in young men who fritter their time away in wasteful, unproductive activities. The phrase is popularly used in reference to men who indulge in sexual activities with different partners especially before the marriage. In a humorous vein, after he is married, he has to sow only domestic oats; i.e. He has to remain committed to his wife. With the reality of associating with only one partner after marriage, the men try to make the best of their bachelorhood by "sowing wild oats." The expression "sowing wild oats" comes from the European grass species, Avena fatua. This species is a weed with zero value as a cereal crop, to the farmer. However the seeds of Avena fatua are difficult to separate from the useful grains even with the latest and sophisticated farming techniques. These useless seeds multiply year after year without any use or whatsoever. "Sowing wild oats" is thus an expression representing "idling away precious time in life by indulging in a colourful life style and wasteful activities.