Dig yourself into a hole

usgb
phrase

To make a bad situation worse for yourself by doing or saying something wrong.

He really dug himself into a hole with his ex-girlfriend when he forgot her birthday.
Visual representation of "dig yourself into a hole" - To make a bad situation worse for yourself by doing or saying something wrong.

Often appears as...

  • really dig yourself into a hole
  • continue to dig yourself into a hole

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "dig yourself into a hole"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Worsening Situations

Use when actions or words cause the situation to become more difficult or problematic.

Illustration for Worsening Situations
Arguing with the boss about your mistake will only dig yourself into a hole.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Metaphorical Use

It's never about literally digging; it's about getting into trouble in a metaphorical sense.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Telling lies to cover up only made him dig himself into a hole.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Figurative Deepening

The deeper the hole, the worse the situation becomes.

Illustration for Figurative Deepening
With every missed deadline, she dug herself into a deeper hole.
Visual representation of the word "Dig yourself into a hole"

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