help oneself

English

(reflexive) To take something freely; to serve oneself without restraint.
He said I could help myself to the chocolates.
- 1920, Herman Cyril McNeile, chapter 1, in Bulldog Drummond:
  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."
To exhibit self-control.
Sorry for eating all the chocolates - I couldn't help myself.
Used other than with a figurative or idiomatic meaning: see help.
God helps those who help themselves.

take something freely

to help oneself — see make use

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