IdiomDaily Life
English
Englishsign one's own death warrant
Meaning: To do something that will cause one's own ruin.
Example: “By insulting the chairman in the meeting, he signed his own death warrant.”
Origin: A death warrant is the official order for an execution. The figurative use, for bringing about one's own downfall, is found from the 18th century.
Equivalents in other languages
French: Signer son arrêt de mort Literally: To sign one's own death warrant
More English idioms
- a Tower of Babel A noisy scene where many people speak different languages, or a confusion of voices.
- the ball is in your court It is now your turn to act or decide.
- all hands on deck Everyone is needed to help right now.
- a banana republic A small, politically unstable country dominated by a corrupt elite or foreign business.
- pick holes in To find small faults in something, often unfairly.
- go under the knife To have a surgical operation.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- Eres un crack You're brilliant — a total star at what you do.
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- Tienes mucho corazón You're extraordinarily generous and warm — you give more than you need to.
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