The phrase "were beholden" denotes a sense of obligation or indebtedness. Some antonyms for this phrase could be "free," "unrestricted," "unbound," "independent," "self-sufficient," "self-reliant," "autonomous," "liberated," "emancipated," "unburdened," "unencumbered," "unfettered," "unshackled," "unhitched," or "unleashed." These words describe a state of being free from any ties of dependence, obligation, or indebtedness. They express a sense of liberation, self-determination, and autonomy, where one is able to act freely and independently without any external constraints or obligations.