make yourself at home
Meaning
An invitation to relax and behave comfortably in someone’s home or space as if it were your own.
Origin
Recorded from the 1800s as a polite host’s formula. It draws on the metaphor of treating a guest like family, encouraging them to feel the comfort and freedom of being in their own home.
Notes
A warm, common host phrase. It suggests comfort, not permission to do anything; guests should still follow house norms.
Examples
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Come in, take off your shoes, and make yourself at home.
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While I finish dinner, please make yourself at home in the living room.
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If you need anything—water, a charger, a blanket—just make yourself at home.
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We’re glad you could stay with us this weekend, so make yourself at home.
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The host handed me a mug of tea and told me to make myself at home.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Fixed imperative phrase: “Make yourself at home.” Usually addressed to a guest. Can be followed by specifics (“Help yourself to…,” “Put your bag here”). Rarely varied; “Please make yourself at home” is common.
Synonyms
- make yourself comfortable
- feel free
- help yourself (to …)
Antonyms
- make yourself scarce
- feel unwelcome