Cut off your nose to spite your face
idiom
To harm oneself in order to punish someone else or in the process of trying to get revenge. By trying to hurt others, you might end up hurting yourself more.
She stopped talking to her family after an argument, but by doing that she only cut off her nose to spite her face since she feels lonely now.
Often appears as...
- act rashly and cut off your nose to spite your face
- don't cut off your nose to spite your face
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Emotional Impact
The phrase often implies strong emotions like anger or spite that lead to self-harmful decisions.
In a fit of rage, he smashed his own phone to get back at his brother, essentially cutting off his nose to spite his face.
Pro Tip 2/3Figurative Use
Remember, this idiom is hyperbolic and not to be taken literally. It emphasizes the irrationality of the action.
Refusing to study because he's mad at the teacher, he's just cutting off his nose to spite his face.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoid In Arguments
Using this phrase in arguments can seem accusing and escalate conflict. Use it cautiously.
Telling her she's cutting off her nose to spite her face mid-argument might just make things worse.
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