自掘坟墓

自掘墳墓

zìjuéfénmù

idiom #17,533

Meanings

1 to dig one's own grave
2 to bring about one's own downfall

Characters

Literally 'self dig grave tomb' — to dig one's own grave.

Examples

他撒谎成性，简直是自掘坟墓。

Tā sāhuǎng chéngxìng, jiǎnzhí shì zìjuéfénmù.

He lies compulsively — he's digging his own grave.

不听劝告无异于自掘坟墓。

Bù tīng quàngào wúyìyú zìjuéfénmù.

Not listening to advice is no different from digging your own grave.

Tips

memory

Same imagery as the English idiom 'to dig one's own grave.' Picture someone shoveling dirt out of a hole they'll end up in — their own actions lead to their downfall.

Stroke Order

自 zì

掘 jué

坟 fén

墓 mù