make a rod for (one's) own back
make a rod for (one's) own back
To cause problems for oneself in the future by doing something in the present that is ill advised. Primarily heard in UK. I'm telling you, if you don't get some more exercise now, you'll be making a rod for yourself when you get older.
See also: back, make, own, rod
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
make a rod for your own back
BRITISHIf you make a rod for your own back, you do something which will cause you many problems in the future. You're making a rod for your own back, you know, letting the child into your bed at night. You'll never get her to stay in her own bed now. Note: Verbs such as create are sometimes used instead of make. In a way, the company's success has created a rod for its own back, for the style is copied everywhere. Note: This expression refers to someone providing the stick with which they themselves will be beaten.
See also: back, make, own, rod
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
make a rod for your own back
do something likely to cause difficulties for yourself later.See also: back, make, own, rod
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
make a rod for your own ˈback
do something which is likely to cause problems for yourself, especially in the future: I think she’s making a rod for her own back by not telling him she’s leaving. When he finds out, there’ll be trouble.See also: back, make, own, rod
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- kick (oneself) for (doing something)
- wash (one's) hands of (someone or something)
- wash hands of
- wash one's hands of
- wash your hands of
- wash your hands of somebody/something
- wash your hands of something/someone
- keep in sight
- keep sight of
- keep sight of (someone or something)