can't call (one's) soul (one's) own
Spends most of one's time working for others. Now that I've started working overtime four days a week, I really can't call my soul my own.
can't call one's soul one's own
Fig. working for other people all the time. Jane has to work two jobs and take care of both her aging parents. She can't call her soul her own. Between supporting his family and working off his brother's bad debts, Bob really can't call his soul his own.