World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English Dictionaries搬起石头砸自己的脚
Pronunciation / Transliteration: bān qǐ shí tou zá zì jǐ de jiǎo
"他这样做简直是搬起石头砸自己的脚。"
Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
To inadvertently do something that causes harm to your own interests, business, or plan.
"By raising prices right before competitors launched discounts, the company shot itself in the foot." - 2
To act in a way that undermines one's own success or position through poor decision-making.
"He argued with the judge, completely shooting himself in the foot during the hearing."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
Originating in the mid-20th century in American English, this idiom likely stems from military contexts involving accidental firearm discharges. Over time, the phrase evolved metaphorically to describe any inadvertent action by an individual or organization that severely damages their own interests or objectives.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Shoot oneself in the foot"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Shoot oneself in the foot" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
se tirer une balle dans le pied
Transliteration: se ti-re yn bal dans lə pje
"En refusant l'aide, il s'est tiré une balle dans le pied."
sich ins eigene Bein schießen
Transliteration: zɪç ɪns ˈaɪɡənə baɪn ˈʃiːsn̩
"Mit dieser Entscheidung hat er sich ins eigene Bein geschossen."
darsi la zappa sui piedi
Transliteration: ˈdarsi la ˈdzappa sui ˈpjedi
"Criticando il capo, ti sei dato la zappa sui piedi."
dispararse en el pie
Transliteration: dispaˈrarse en el pje
"Al renunciar sin plan, te disparaste en el pie."
dar um tiro no próprio pé
Transliteration: daɾ ũ ˈtiɾu nu ˈpɾɔpɾiu pɛ
"Recusar a proposta foi dar um tiro no próprio pé."
अपने पैर पर कुल्हाड़ी मारना
Transliteration: apne pair par kulhadi marna
"बिना सोचे-समझे इस्तीफा देकर उसने अपने पैर पर कुल्हाड़ी मार ली।"
搬起石头砸自己的脚
Transliteration: bān qǐ shí tou zá zì jǐ de jiǎo
"他这样做简直是搬起石头砸自己的脚。"
제 발등을 찍다
Transliteration: je baldeung-eul jikda
"거짓말을 하다가 결국 제 발등을 찍고 말았다."
墓穴を掘る
Transliteration: boketsu o horu
"弁解すればするほど墓穴を掘る結果になった。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all Chinese termsA barracks or building intended for the accommodation of soldiers, usually located within a fortified place.
A secondary residence owned or rented by a family or individual, used primarily for recreational purposes, holidays, or seasonal getaways.
Not producing or containing venom; incapable of injecting poison through a bite, sting, or other mechanism.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Shoot oneself in the foot"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.