gräva sin egen grav
Meaning: To cause one's own ruin or downfall through foolish actions.
Language: Swedish
Literally: to dig one's own grave
Category: Nature
Origin: The image is literal—digging a grave for oneself—metaphorically applied to self-destructive behavior.
More idioms — Nature
- på hal is — In a precarious or dangerous situation that one cannot control or easily escape.
- mitt på ljusan dag — In broad daylight; openly and obviously, not in secret.
- trzęsienie ziemi — A sudden, violent upheaval or catastrophic disruption in society, politics, or personal c…
- zapadać się pod ziemię — To wish to disappear from shame or mortification.
- studnia bez dna — An endless source of trouble or expense; something that consumes resources without limit…
- światełko w tunelu — A sign of hope or improvement after a long period of hardship or darkness.
More Swedish idioms
- inte göra en fluga förnär — To be harmless and gentle, incapable of hurting even the smallest creature.
- styv i korken — Overly self-confident and arrogant, carrying oneself with unwarranted swagger.
- gå sitt öde till mötes — To face one's destiny, often implying a dramatic or fatal confrontation with what is fate…
- som vatten på en gås — Something that has no effect or makes no impression, sliding off harmlessly.
- lysa med lånta fjädrar — To present oneself falsely by adopting the qualities, accomplishments, or possessions of…
- så till den milda grad — To such an extent; to a remarkable or extreme degree, often used ironically.
From our tongue twisters
- 坊主が屏風に上手に坊主の絵を描いた (Bōzu ga byōbu ni jōzu ni bōzu no e o kaita) — A sustained 'b' and long-vowel drill — bōzu/byōbu/jōzu demand precise mouth control.
- 隣の客はよく柿食う客だ (Tonari no kyaku wa yoku kaki kuu kyaku da) — A tricky spiral on ka/ki/ku that accelerates as you try to keep the syllables distinct.
- Como poco coco como, poco coco compro. — A bouncy 'co' drill — the word order and meaning flip with each repetition.