# dig a hole for oneself

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/dig-a-hole-for-oneself
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To take an action or create a situation from which it is difficult to extricate.

## Examples

- Stop arguing with the boss or you will dig a hole for yourself.
- By lying about his experience during the interview, he really dug a hole for himself when they asked for proof.
- The politician continued to offer contradictory explanations, effectively digging a hole for himself that even his most loyal supporters could no longer defend.

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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.