# box oneself into a corner

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/box-oneself-into-a-corner
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- By lying to my boss, I have boxed myself into a corner.
- He made so many conflicting promises during the negotiation that he eventually boxed himself into a corner with no room to compromise.
- 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.

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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.