Zoeken
to shoot oneself in the foot
01
zichzelf schade toebrengen
to unintentionally do something that harms oneself or one's own interests
What is the origin of the idiom "shoot oneself in the foot" and when to use it?
The idiom "shoot oneself in the foot" has its origins in military history, where soldiers were sometimes prone to accidentally shooting themselves in the foot while handling a firearm. The phrase now means to do something that ends up harming one's own interests or goals. This phrase is often used to describe situations where someone makes a mistake or takes an action that has negative consequences for themselves.
Voorbeeld
They have shot themselves in the foot by not preparing for the upcoming exam.
The company shot itself in the foot by releasing a faulty product that damaged their reputation.
She is shooting herself in the foot by missing all her deadlines.
He always shoots himself in the foot by speaking without thinking first.