your own worst enemy

(one's) own worst enemy

Causing complications to one's life or keeping oneself from success; self-destructive or self-sabotaging. Tommy's becoming his own worst enemy with the way he's been skipping school lately. She always sabotages a relationship when it's going really well because she's her own worst enemy.
See also: enemy, own, worst
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

your own worst enemy

COMMON If you say that someone is their own worst enemy, you mean that their own behaviour causes most of their problems. In a way I'm my own worst enemy — too critical and hard on myself. The patients are their own worst enemy. They keep missing appointments.
See also: enemy, own, worst
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
See also:
  • (one's) own worst enemy
  • one's own worst enemy
  • every man is his own worst enemy
  • be (one's) own worst enemy
  • be your own worst enemy
  • walk heavy
  • like to hear (oneself) talk
  • like to hear oneself talk
  • stay hungry
  • too big for one's britches (breeches)
References in periodicals archive
While the current political landscape is polarized, Your Own Worst Enemy reminds us that hope lies with the younger generations.
YOUR OWN WORST ENEMY: Political satire for Gen Z
To avoid being your own worst enemy, reel it in, work hard, submit your work on time, be present for more than the minimum amount of time expected, and finally, arrive on time.
Don't be your own worst enemy: instead, reel it in, work hard, do more than what is minimally necessary, and be on time
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YOU could be your own worst enemy if you always feel a formal invitation is needed to visit your family.
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You are your own worst enemy. Maybe that's why many of us were secretly glad pubs and clubs had reasonable closing times.
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But you can be your own worst enemy when there's a lot of negative chatter going on inside your head.
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AYOU'RE your own worst enemy. You've got no chance with this girl until you start controlling yourself.
Joan's juniors: I'm nasty to the girl I really like
A When you're depressed you become your own worst enemy. It's common to feel hopeless about the future even if you're talented.
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AI KNOW it's tough when you feel bad about yourself, but you do sound like your own worst enemy.
Dear Wendy: I don't have any friends