IdiomDaily LifeEnglish

hoist by one's own petard

Meaning: To be harmed or destroyed by one's own trap or scheme meant to injure someone else.

Example: “The hacker was hoist by his own petard when his own virus wiped his computer.”

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

  • 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.
  • bash into shape To shape, repair, or train something or someone by vigorous, rough, or direct methods.
  • in the same boat In a shared predicament or situation; facing the same difficulties or circumstances toget…
  • go along for the ride To accompany someone passively, without taking an active role or responsibility.
  • long fuse A personality trait of being slow to anger; patience before losing one's temper.

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.
  • Augean stables An extremely filthy, corrupt, or morally decayed place or situation that seems impossible…
  • on eternal patrol Lost or missing at sea, presumed dead.
  • play with house money To take risks when one has nothing personal to lose, or to act recklessly because the sta…
  • 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.

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