English Explanatory Dictionary

paint oneself into a corner

English dictionary entry

Meanings

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

Pronunciation

/ˈpeɪnt wʌnˈsɛlf ˈɪntʊ ə ˈkɔːnə(ɹ)/ /ˈpeɪnt wʌnˈsɛlf ˈɪntu ə ˈkɔɹnɚ/ en-au-paint oneself into a corner.ogg

Word forms

paint oneself into a corner paints oneself into a corner painting oneself into a corner painted oneself into a corner

Etymology

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.

Synonyms

back oneself into a corner box oneself into a corner get oneself into a corner talk oneself into a corner write oneself into a corner
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