shoot oneself in the foot
/ʃuːt wʌnˈsɛlf ɪn ðə fuːt/To unintentionally harm or disadvantage oneself through one's own actions or decisions.
She shot herself in the foot by not studying for the exam.
She made a poor decision that negatively affected her own chances of success.
The company shot itself in the foot by ignoring customer feedback.
The company's own actions led to a decline in its reputation and sales.
This idiom is often used to describe situations where someone's own actions lead to negative consequences for themselves.
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Usage Tip
This idiom is often used to describe situations where someone's own actions lead to negative consequences for themselves. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including personal, professional, and financial situations.
⚡Gold Rule
Rule of Thumb
Use this idiom to describe situations where someone's own actions lead to negative consequences for themselves. It is commonly used in informal contexts.
📖Word Origin
The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it likely comes from the literal act of shooting oneself in the foot, which would make it difficult to walk or run away. The figurative meaning of the phrase emerged in the early 20th century.
📝Usage Notes
This idiom is commonly used in informal contexts to describe situations where someone's own actions lead to negative consequences for themselves. It can be used in a variety of contexts, including personal, professional, and financial situations.