He painted himself into a corner by making too many promises.
paint oneself into a corner
idiomTo create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.
Origin
disputed originFrom the idea that a person painting the floor of a room may inadvertently apply the paint over the whole floor and trap themselves in a corner away from any exit, so that to leave the room the person has no choice but to step on the fresh paint and ruin it.
By refusing to compromise during the negotiations, the manager painted himself into a corner with no way out.
The politician painted himself into a corner with his radical campaign rhetoric, leaving him no room to negotiate once he assumed office.
- 01
adorn oneself with borrowed plumes
To claim the honor of another for oneself.
- 02
apply oneself
Synonym of strive: to work hard, to complete an activity with good effort and focus.
- 03
around the corner
Imminent; very soon.
- 04
be oneself
To behave or act naturally, without regard to how this behavior is perceived by others.
- 05
bear oneself
To behave and conduct oneself in a particular manner.
- 06
box oneself into a corner
To create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.
- 07
buy a dog and bark oneself
To do something that one has hired someone else to do.
- 08
carry oneself
To move, especially emphasizing the manner in which one moves.