help oneself

present singular third person helps oneself · participle present helping oneself · participle past helped oneself · past helped oneself

1. reflexiveTo serve oneself, especially to take food or other supplies, rather than wait to be served by another; used to indicate friendly permission or invitation.

   Is it all right if I get some water? —Oh, of course, help yourself!

   1 more example

   If you want to take a shower, help yourself to towels; they're in the linen closet.

2. reflexiveTo take something freely; to serve oneself without restraint.

   He said I could help myself to the chocolates.

   2 more examples

   He didn't even ask; he just helped himself to the special tea I was saving.

   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

3. To exhibit self-control.

   Sorry for eating all the chocolates - I couldn't help myself.

   Synonyms: contain oneself

4. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see help.

   God helps those who help themselves.