blow up in one's face

Meaning: To fail spectacularly or cause a plan to collapse in an embarrassing way.

Example: “His plan to fake a sick day blew up in his face when his boss saw him at the stadium.”

Origin: The phrase pictures an explosion occurring in one's own hands or face—a plan that backfires with destructive force.

More English idioms

back up the truck To make a large purchase by taking advantage of a favorable price.
haul someone over the coals To scold or reprimand someone severely for wrongdoing.
make a fist of To accomplish something with reasonable competence or success.
welcome to my world You are now experiencing something unpleasant that the speaker knows well and has dealt w…
hash slinger A cook or server in a cheap restaurant, often regarded as rude or inattentive.
built different Uniquely talented or operating by a different standard than ordinary people.

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

Eres más corto que las mangas de un chaleco You're not the sharpest — a bit slow on the uptake.
Du bist nicht die hellste Kerze auf der Torte You're a little dim — not the smartest in the room.
Tu as une cervelle de moineau You're scatterbrained and forgetful.

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