ENGLISH
REFERENCE

make a stick for one's own back

idiom
Meaning

To make a decision that will have personally adverse consequences.


Examples
SIMPLE

By lying to your boss, you are making a stick for your own back.

CONTEXTUAL

If you promise to finish this project by tomorrow, you are making a stick for your own back.

COMPLEX

By accepting such an unrealistic deadline, the manager inadvertently made a stick for his own back when the inevitable delays began.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    abound in one's own sense

    To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.

  2. 02

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  3. 03

    ace up one's sleeve

    A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.

  4. 04

    act one's age

    To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.

  5. 05

    act one's age, not one's shoe size

    Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).

  6. 06

    afraid of one's own shadow

    Exceptionally timid.

  7. 07

    air one's dirty laundry in public

    To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

  8. 08

    air one's dirty linen in public

    Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

Last updated July 12, 2026