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to dig oneself into a hole
01
to do something that gets oneself stuck into a difficulty
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Disapproving
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "dig oneself into a hole" and when to use it?
The exact origin of the idiom "dig oneself into a hole" is unclear. However, the phrase's metaphorical meaning is derived from the literal act of digging a hole in the ground. When someone digs a hole, they go deeper and deeper into the ground, making it progressively harder to climb out. Overtime, it has become a widely recognized expression in English to describe the self-imposed difficulties or problems that arise from one's own actions or choices.
Example
The party has really dug itself into a hole with its economic policies.
By repeatedly lying to his friends, he dug himself into a hole of mistrust and alienation, making it difficult to rebuild those relationships.
With each failed attempt to meet deadlines, the student dug themselves into a hole of academic struggle and stress, finding it harder to catch up.
She dug herself into a hole by lying to her friends.
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