Dig one’s own grave

Meaning

The idiom "dig one’s own grave" means to make a mistake or error that leads to one's downfall or failure. It is a figurative expression that suggests the person responsible for the situation is creating their own problems and digging themselves deeper into a hole they cannot escape.

Usage

• Sarah's poor decision-making skills have led her to dig her own grave in her career.
• His careless driving has dug him his own grave.
• The company's mismanagement has dug its own grave by losing customers and revenue.
• The politician's controversial comments have dug their own grave in the public opinion polls.
• After cheating on his wife, John has dug his own grave, causing irreparable damage to his relationship.

Roots and History

The idiom "dig one's own grave" can be traced back to the early 20th century. It is believed to have originated from the literal act of digging a grave, which is said to be done by someone else on behalf of the deceased person, except for their own death. However, this idiom has evolved over time to mean that a person is creating their own problems and digging themselves into a situation that cannot be resolved.

Synonyms in English

• Make one's bed and lie in it
• Reap what you sow
• Face the consequences of one's actions
• Bite the bullet
• Get one's comeuppance

Synonyms in other languages

• French - mettre-en-jeu (literally means to put in danger)
• Spanish - sentarse con el pico (literally means to sit with the peak, indicating that someone has reached the end of their line)
• Italian - farsi una tomba propria (literally means to make one's own grave)
• German - sich selber das Grab ausgraben (literally means to dig oneself a grave)
• Portuguese - enterrar-se em si mesmo (literally means to bury oneself in oneself)

Similar Idioms

• bright spark

• Dutch uncle

• die hard