make a stick for one's own back
To make a decision that will have personally adverse consequences.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“By lying to your boss, you are making a stick for your own back.”
“If you promise to finish this project by tomorrow, you are making a stick for your own back.”
“By accepting such an unrealistic deadline, the manager inadvertently made a stick for his own back when the inevitable delays began.”
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
absence makes the heart grow fonder
One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.
- 03
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 04
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 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”).
- 06
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 07
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 08
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
Last updated August 10, 2026