Cut your own throat

usgb
verb phrase

To do something that will harm yourself or spoil your own chances of success.

By selling his business to his competitors, he's cutting his own throat.
Visual representation of "cut your own throat" - To do something that will harm yourself or spoil your own chances of success.

Often appears as...

  • don't cut your own throat
  • cutting his own throat

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "cut your own throat"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Self-Sabotage

The phrase implies someone is acting against their own best interests, often unknowingly.

Illustration for Self-Sabotage
He skipped team meetings and ended up cutting his own throat.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorically Speaking

This phrase is metaphorical; it doesn't involve actual physical harm, but rather self-inflicted problems.

Illustration for Metaphorically Speaking
Ignoring her advisor's warnings, she cut her own throat academically.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoidable Consequences

The phrase often suggests the person could avoid the negative outcome if they acted differently.

Illustration for Avoidable Consequences
He kept wasting money and eventually cut his own throat financially.
Visual representation of the word "Cut your own throat"

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