shoot in the foot


shoot (oneself) in the foot

To damage or impede one's own plans, progress, or actions through foolish actions or words. He'd have a real shot at winning the election if he didn't keep shooting himself in the foot with such inflammatory remarks. I think we shot ourselves in the foot by firing her, because she knew more about the project than anyone else.See also: foot, shoot

shoot oneself in the foot

Fig. to cause oneself difficulty; to be the author of one's own misfortune. I am a master at shooting myself in the foot. Again, he shot himself in the foot by saying too much to the press.See also: foot, shoot

shoot oneself in the foot

Foolishly harm one's own cause, as in He really shot himself in the foot, telling the interviewer all about the others who were applying for the job he wanted . This colloquial term alludes to an accidental shooting as opposed to a deliberate one done so as to avoid military service. See also: foot, shoot

shoot oneself in the foot

tv. to cause oneself difficulty; to be the author of one’s own doom. Again, he shot himself in the foot with his open and honest dealings with the press. See also: foot, shoot

shoot (oneself) in the foot

To do or say something that inadvertently undermines one's interests.See also: foot, shoot

shoot oneself in the foot, to

To hurt one’s own cause by mistake. This expression calls up the image of someone holding a firearm pointed down and accidentally discharging it. Although the effect is the same, it must be distinguished from injuring oneself intentionally in order to avoid military service (or to be sent home from the front). See also: shoot