# make a stick for one's own back

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/make-a-stick-for-ones-own-back
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make a decision that will have personally adverse consequences.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.