Make a rod for your own back

usgb
phrase

To create a problem or situation which will later harm you or cause difficulty.

By spoiling her children with too many gifts, she's making a rod for her own back in the future.
Visual representation of "make a rod for your own back" - To create a problem or situation which will later harm you or cause difficulty

Often appears as...

  • making a rod for his own back
  • make a rod for your own back by

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "make a rod for your own back"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Future Consequences

Use when an action will cause future difficulties, often due to a lack of foresight.

Illustration for Future Consequences
He's making a rod for his own back by ignoring his homework.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Idiomatic Caution

It suggests a warning about the results of one's actions, typically used to advise someone.

Illustration for Idiomatic Caution
If you don't start studying, you're making a rod for your own back.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Avoidable Trouble

It implies the trouble is self-inflicted and could be avoided with different actions.

Illustration for Avoidable Trouble
By procrastinating, you're just making a rod for your own back.
Visual representation of the word "Make a rod for your own back"

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