hoist by one's own petard
Meaning: To be harmed or destroyed by one's own trap or scheme meant to injure someone else.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
Origin: From a petard, a small explosive device used in siege warfare; if it detonates prematurely or is turned against its maker, it destroys him instead of the enemy.
More idioms — Daily Life
- Augean stables — An extremely filthy, corrupt, or morally decayed place or situation that seems impossible…
- play with house money — To take risks when one has nothing personal to lose, or to act recklessly because the sta…
- ace up one's sleeve — A hidden advantage or secret resource kept in reserve to use when needed.
- old fogey — An elderly person with old-fashioned or reactionary views.
- were you born in a tent — An admonishment to someone who has carelessly left a door open.
- anything goes — There are no rules, restrictions, or moral limits.
More English idioms
- sleep with the fishes — To be dead, with one's body disposed of in the ocean or a large body of water.
- on eternal patrol — Lost or missing at sea, presumed dead.
- all mouth and trousers — Full of loud boasting and empty talk, lacking substance or follow-through.
- turn on one's heel — To suddenly depart or walk away, often in a dramatic or dismissive manner.
- sugarcoat the pill — To make something unpleasant more palatable or easier to accept.
- what's eating you — What is bothering or irritating you?
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