Discussion Groups / English Usage / August 2008

Not exactly. Literally it means to stand without depending on support
from other people or objects. Metaphorically, it means to be
independent, so it could mean sticking to an opinion despite what
others think, or maintaining oneself financially without help from
others, or performing a job without having to ask for help.

Do you mean "principled" or "obstinate"?  But the answer is no, one can
"stand firm" but to "stand on one's own" is entirely a different, and
not generally metaphorical, idiom.

--Jeff