dig one's own grave

Meaning: To cause one's own downfall.

Language: English

Literally: (Already vivid in English)

Example: “Every lie he told was digging his own grave.”

Category: Daily Life

Origin: The image of someone preparing their own burial. The figurative use is recorded from the 17th century.

Equivalents in other languages

come in handy — To be useful when needed.
put someone in their place — To remind someone firmly that they are not as important as they think.
play for high stakes — To take part in something where a great deal can be won or lost.
take liberties — To behave too freely or presumptuously.
give someone what for — To scold or punish someone severely.
like talking to a brick wall — Speaking to someone who does not listen or respond.

wouldn't hurt a fly — Is very gentle and harmless.
in borrowed plumes — Pretending to qualities or achievements that belong to someone else.
like two peas in a pod — Very similar in looks or character.
cool as a cucumber — Very calm, especially under pressure.
in broad daylight — Openly, during the day, when anyone could see.
not my circus, not my monkeys — It's not my problem, so I'm staying out of it.

Least said is soonest mended. — Silence prevents wounds that words inflict; restraint in speech preserves relationships b…
The empty leech sucks sore. — A desperate, unfulfilled person causes more harm than one already satisfied.
Liars have short wings. — Deceit collapses quickly because falsehoods cannot sustain flight or escape scrutiny long…