paint oneself into a corner

短语

发音

UK /ˈpeɪnt wʌnˈsɛlf ˈɪntʊ ə ˈkɔːnə(ɹ)/
AU
US /ˈpeɪnt wʌnˈsɛlf ˈɪntu ə ˈkɔɹnɚ/

词形变化

painted oneself into a corner painting oneself into a corner paints oneself into a corner 三单 paints oneself into a corner painting oneself into a corner 现在分词 painted oneself into a corner 过去式 painted oneself into a corner 过去分词

释义与例句

v.
  1. 1.

    To create a predicament or problem for oneself; to do something that leaves one with no good alternatives or solutions.

    习语

词源

From 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.

来源：wiktionary