# be one's own worst enemy

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/be-ones-own-worst-enemy
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To act contrary to one's own interests; to cause problems for oneself; to self-sabotage.

## Examples

- He is his own worst enemy when he loses his temper.
- She keeps missing deadlines because she procrastinates, proving that she is often her own worst enemy.
- By refusing to accept help from his colleagues, the manager became his own worst enemy and ultimately caused the project to fail.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.