own worst enemy, to be one’s 🤔
Definition: To be the major source of one’s own difficulties.
Example Use: “John keeps missing deadlines because he’s his own worst enemy; he procrastinates until the last minute.”
Synonyms:
- Self-sabotage
- Shooting oneself in the foot
- Hoist with one’s own petard
- Cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face
Antonyms:
- Being one’s own best advocate
- Self-support
- Self-encouragement
Humorous Quotes:
“I’ve done far worse than kill you. I’ve hurt you. And I wish to go on hurting you. I shall leave you as you left me—as you once left me, buried alive. Buried alive. — Scratch that. Actually, I recycled.”
— An imaginary Captain Ahab
“If I could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of my trouble, I wouldn’t sit for a month.”
— Theodore Roosevelt
Proverbs:
- “Charity begins at home, but so does a mean streak.”
- “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”
Literature, Books, and Movies:
- Book: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson — Learn how to stop being your own worst enemy by deciding what truly matters.
- Movie: Groundhog Day (1993) — Watch Bill Murray’s character, Phil, repeat the same day until he learns how to stop self-sabotaging.
- Song: “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson — A musical ode to self-awareness and change.
Inspirational Thought-Provoking Farewell:
“Embrace your imperfections, recognize your self-sabotaging patterns, and learn to get out of your own way. Each new sunrise is an opportunity to step aside and let your best self take the lead.”
Quizzes
### Which of these phrases is an idiom expressing self-sabotage?
- [x] Own worst enemy, to be one’s
- [ ] Galloping with galoshes
- [ ] Singing in the spleen
- [ ] Balancing on a bumblebee
> **Explanation:** "Own worst enemy, to be one’s" is an idiom that means being the primary cause of one’s own problems. The other options are just attempts to tickle your funny bone!
### Which term does NOT mean self-sabotage?
- [ ] Cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face
- [ ] Self-defeating behavior
- [x] Building bridges
- [ ] Shooting oneself in the foot
> **Explanation:** "Building bridges" means to establish positive relationships, which is the opposite of self-sabotaging!
### True or False: “Hoist with one’s own petard” means the same as being one’s own worst enemy.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. This idiom means to be caught in one’s own trap, similar to being the cause of one’s own downfall.
### Can this phrase be used to describe someone who procrastinates frequently?
- [x] Yes
- [ ] No
> **Explanation:** Yes. Someone who procrastinates might be called their own worst enemy because they're creating their own obstacles.
### Which proverb best matches the idea of being one’s own worst enemy?
- [x] A house divided against itself cannot stand.
- [ ] The early bird catches the worm.
- [ ] To teach a fish to climb a tree is folly.
- [ ] An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
> **Explanation:** "A house divided against itself cannot stand" conveys the inherent weakness in internal conflict, much like being one’s own worst enemy.
