stand in (one's) own light
stand in (one's) own light
To harm, hinder, or tarnish one's own reputation, opportunities, or advantages, as through foolish or reproachable actions; to be a hindrance or encumbrance to one's own success or ambitions. My little brother has had all the opportunities in the world growing up, but he's always been the one standing in his own light, what with all the legal trouble he gets himself into.
See also: light, own, stand
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- besmirch
- besmirch (someone or something) with (something)
- besmirch with
- give (someone or something) a bad name
- give a bad name to
- give a bad name to (someone or something)
- bring (someone or something) into disrepute
- bring into disrepute
- disrepute
- blot your copybook