ENGLISH
REFERENCE

box oneself into a corner

idiom
Meaning

To create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.


Examples
SIMPLE

By lying to my boss, I have boxed myself into a corner.

CONTEXTUAL

He made so many conflicting promises during the negotiation that he eventually boxed himself into a corner with no room to compromise.

COMPLEX

The politician boxed himself into a corner by taking such an extreme public stance, leaving him with no graceful way to support the new compromise legislation.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    adorn oneself with borrowed plumes

    To claim the honor of another for oneself.

  2. 02

    apply oneself

    Synonym of strive: to work hard, to complete an activity with good effort and focus.

  3. 03

    around the corner

    Imminent; very soon.

  4. 04

    be oneself

    To behave or act naturally, without regard to how this behavior is perceived by others.

  5. 05

    bear oneself

    To behave and conduct oneself in a particular manner.

  6. 06

    box clever

    To act wisely.

  7. 07

    box seat

    A favorable vantage point.

  8. 08

    box someone's ears

    To slap someone on the side of the head, usually as an informal punishment.

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