Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
give someone enough rope to hang himself or herself
Idiom
/ɡɪv ˈsʌmˌwʌn ɪˈnʌf roʊp tə hæŋ hɪmˈsɛlf ɔr ˈhɜrˌsɛlf/
Definition
To allow someone to act freely, giving them the opportunity to make a mistake or fail.
Examples
- The manager decided to give John enough rope to hang himself by letting him run the project his way.
- Sometimes, it’s better to give someone enough rope to hang themselves rather than intervene too early.
Meaning
This phrase suggests that by giving someone the freedom to make choices, they may ultimately lead themselves to a negative outcome due to their own actions.
Synonyms
- Let them make their own choices
- Allow someone to face the consequences
- Give someone enough leeway
