ʃuːt wʌnˈself ɪn ðə fʊt
Body Parts
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- Accidentally shooting your own foot
What does "shoot oneself in the foot" mean?
- To unintentionally harm one's own interests
- To damage your own cause through foolish actions
Examples
- He shot himself in the foot by insulting the interviewer.
- The company shot itself in the foot with that press release.
- Don't shoot yourself in the foot by rushing the project.
Origin
From military accidents where soldiers accidentally shot themselves. Became figurative for self-sabotage.
How to use it
Always describes unintentional self-harm to one's interests. Very common expression.
Similar expressions
self-sabotage
hurt oneself
backfire
be one's own worst enemy
Opposites
help oneself
act wisely
play it smart
Related idioms
- keep an eye on
To watch or monitor something carefully
- heart of gold
A very kind, generous, and caring nature
- caught red-handed
Caught in the act of doing something wrong
- keep your chin up
To stay positive and not be discouraged
- wrap your head around something
To understand something complex
- all ears
Listening attentively and eagerly
Use it in a practice answer
Try "shoot oneself in the foot" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.