Composed of 思い (thought, wish) + の + まま (as is, unchanged). The particle に often follows: 思いのままに. This expression emphasizes doing something without constraint, following one's own desires or will.
Common patterns
- 思いのままに行動する: to act as one pleases
- 思いのままに操る: to control at will
- 思いのままになる: to go as one wishes
Similar words
- 自由に: freely — more common and casual
- 好きなように: as one likes — casual, everyday expression
- 意のままに: at one's will — slightly more literary synonym
- 気の向くままに: as the mood takes one — emphasizes spontaneity rather than deliberate will